Topic: Could you have a look at this Venetian glass.... Thing?

[Catisfaction]

Hi folks. I was wondering if you might kindly give me your thoughts on this piece of glass.
I believe it is likely to be Italian in origin but I have yet to find anything similar enough to be able to attribute it to anyone in particular.
Also I can't decide what it is supposed to be for. Is it just a decorative piece, or a vase, or perhaps it's meant for a votive candle?

It measures 9 1/2" in height and 4" in diameter at the top and 3 3/4" in diameter at the base. There's a small pontil in the center of the base.

[Pinkspoons]

There are a few small Murano glassmakers producing similar, purely decorative, wares in deep amber-coloured glass - Cortella e Ballarin, Giuliano De Mio, &c. - but they *tend* to be a little more elaborate with the decoration.

Presumably there will be others of a similar ilk?

[TxSilver]

The piece looks to be fairly recent lampwork (flame work) to me. Lampwork has grown in popularity in Venice. Cesare Toffolo has done similar things, but the decoration tends to be more elegant. Cross fingers for Alex to drop in. He may be able to provide better information.