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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => Murano & Italy Glass => Topic started by: horochar on January 16, 2006, 05:22:24 AM

Title: Clown decanter
Post by: horochar on January 16, 2006, 05:22:24 AM

I am politically correct enough (I hope) to own this decanter.  I bought it  from a collector of clown memorabilia in Iowa who thought it was "cute."  That's not the first word that came to my mind.  Try hateful or repulsive.  However, it is a piece of social history, and the quality of production is (in my opinion) superb.  Could someone help me out to determine producer and approximate date of manufacture?  Thanks!

http://home.earthlink.net/~horochaz/images/Clown1a.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~horochaz/images/Clown1b.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~horochaz/images/Clown1c.jpg

Title: Hateful Glass
Post by: chuggy on January 16, 2006, 07:52:55 AM

I have to take exception with you on this, but I think it's fantastic and so much better than the norm. Any markings to the base either on top or underneath what you're looking for is a feint 3 line acid marking saying Venini, Murano, Italia. You may need an eye glass to find it, but I think this is a Venini clown designed in the 1950's by Bianconi, and I'd love to add it to my collection if you ever think it too hateful to hang on to.
Paul

Title: Thanks Chuggy! Photo of bottom.
Post by: horochar on January 16, 2006, 11:59:10 PM

Thanks Chuggy.  Your're the best.  Next time you're in Minnesota, stop on by.  Based upon your information, the clown has come out of the closet (as it were) and now graces the top of my buffet, along with other pieces of fine glass.  Art triumphs over political correctness!

I studied the top and bottom of base, and no sign of any acid etched signature.  However, there is the remnant of a price tag, and residue from a round (with undulating, rounded serrated-type edge) sticker that no doubt said "Murano Glass Made in Italy."  Does any of this have any significance?  
Thanks.

http://home.earthlink.net/~horochaz/images/Clown1d.jpg

Title: Hateful Glass
Post by: chuggy on January 17, 2006, 04:11:48 PM

The half label thats left looks very much like the remains of a Venini export label that would have had the model number on it, so that remnant is definitely worth preserving. I'm 99% sure this is a Venini clown and a great piece. Who knows I may even say Hi to it one day on my travels.
Paul