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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => Murano & Italy Glass => Topic started by: Pinkspoons on June 20, 2012, 10:32:43 AM

Title: Venini Mezza Filigrana Vase
Post by: Pinkspoons on June 20, 2012, 10:32:43 AM

I've this cylindrical vase decorated in purple mezza filigrana, with engraved signature and date for 1983 to the base. I had always assumed that it was an in-house 'Studio Venini' design from the mid-late 1970s, but recently I've spotted a few filigrana pieces designed by Scarpa around 1934 that were reproduced around the same time (1983-89 are the inscribed dates I've seen so far, and one with an acid-etched backstamp and label that would date it to a little earlier).

Just wondering if this might also be an old Scarpa shape that they pulled out of the archives.

Working against it is that I've scoured Carlo Scarpa: I vetri di Murano 1927-1947 and Carlo Scarpa: Glass of an Architect to no avail, nor did it pop up in the Blue Catalogue in Deboni - but these sources are far from complete.

Any ideas?

Thanks for looking.  :)

Title: Re: Venini Mezza Filigrana Vase
Post by: ardy on June 22, 2012, 11:43:26 PM

Not really anything positive but have a look at Cenedese. A friend of mine has a vase similar to this with a 'real' cenedese signature to the base.

Title: Re: Venini Mezza Filigrana Vase
Post by: Pinkspoons on June 23, 2012, 06:42:00 AM

I'm confused.  ???

The vase is signed, labelled and definitely Venini - I can pull past auction results for about 5 vases in different heights and colours, also signed.

I was just wondering if it was a 1930s Scarpa design resurrected for 1970s/80s production, or an original 1970s 'Studio Venini' design (or, indeed, by another named designer working for Venini at this time).

Title: Re: Venini Mezza Filigrana Vase
Post by: Ivo on June 23, 2012, 07:00:07 AM

I would think Wirkkala did it - at least the shape comes back in several of his designs and so does the mezza filigrana technique. It just is not in the books as far as i can see.

Title: Re: Venini Mezza Filigrana Vase
Post by: Pinkspoons on June 23, 2012, 07:17:13 AM

Aye, Wirkkala used this shape around this period - with mezza filigrana, and sometimes in the same colour. But all the examples I've seen are combined with incalmo construction and are of a much more delicate glass (the glass on my vase isn't thick, but neither is it as feather-light as the Wirkkala-Venini pieces I've handled). I'd also expect to see a 'TW' monogram along with the factory/date signature.

Would be nice though! :)

Edit: Here's a good similar Wirkkala piece: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/7789449