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Glass Discussion & Research. NO IDENTIFICATION REQUESTS here please. => Murano & Italy Glass => Topic started by: Ivo on April 06, 2006, 03:30:56 PM

Title: Soffiati pieces
Post by: Ivo on April 06, 2006, 03:30:56 PM

(http://i2.tinypic.com/t5n4uh.jpg)

These three pieces all have folded rims and unfinished but neat pontil marks; the flat oval vase has a retail label from the 1920s or 30s but I've been unable to make a match to anything in the Venini Catologo Blu. They're always close, though.  The blue piece is particularly seedy.

Enlightenment, please....

Title: Soffiati pieces
Post by: chuggy on April 06, 2006, 06:42:33 PM

The green vase on the left has all the looks of Vittorio Zecchin from the early 1920's apart from the handles, on the corresponding shape the handles curle out at the bottom and not under curle at the top, I think that makes sense.
Not sure on the centre one at all, it looks a little too crudely made.
The one on the right looks as if it could be by Napoleone Martinuzzi from around 1930, but again it's the handles that don't look quite right.
Just my observations and probably not much help.
Paul

Title: Soffiati pieces
Post by: Laura Friedman on April 06, 2006, 07:25:13 PM

Good observations, Paul.

Ivo, what is their relatively weight?  They look a bit thick and heavy to be sofiati.  However, that might be a trick of the light.

Laura

Title: Soffiati pieces
Post by: Ivo on April 06, 2006, 08:14:16 PM

Both the green ones are relatively light, the blue piece has more weight to it. The photograph was flashed against a white background so the reflection makes it look more sold than it is.  To me the blue piece feels older than the green ones - it compares in weight and quality to a piece of Bordeaux glass from the late 18th century I have.
 The middle piece has a retail label from an art shop in Alkmaar from the late twenties/ early thirties - the time when they still had 4 digit telephone numbers. In that time the shop in question was also the main outlet for paintings from the Bergen school - an artist colony. So the period for that one is well established.
The height of the two tallest ones is 19 cms (7. 1/2")

Title: Soffiati pieces
Post by: Ivo on April 07, 2006, 07:20:06 AM

...and then there is the matter of the large one:

http://i2.tinypic.com/t6vv5h.jpg

the height is 21 cm, diameter 23 cm (9") and quite heavy.  Foot folded inwards, like the other pieces...

Title: Soffiati pieces
Post by: Ivo on April 07, 2006, 08:21:22 AM

...followed by this
http://i2.tinypic.com/t6wd94.jpg
deep bowl with rim folded outward...

Title: Soffiati pieces
Post by: Ivo on April 07, 2006, 08:22:22 AM

and the 31 cm (12") plate with folded rim
http://i2.tinypic.com/t6wdfq.jpg

Title: Soffiati pieces
Post by: paradisetrader on April 09, 2006, 12:18:43 PM

Sofiati
(for those not familiar with the term)
Defined by Carl Gable in Murano Magic as:
"Mouth blown glass with classic lines and delicate colors"