Bird Vase (Pulcino / Galletto type)
Decorative art, sculptural hand-blown glass vessel • Attributed to the style of Alberto Toso or Formia International (Murano, Italy)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Murano Art Glass / Post-modern whimsical design
Medium & Technique
Murano glass featuring zanfirico filigrana (striped canes), murrine (for the eyes), and applied hot-worked glass elements (beak, handle, wings)
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (Post-modern period)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10 to 12 inches in height; vertical sculptural format
Subject Description
A zoomorphic vessel depicting a stylized hen or bird. The body features festive red and green festooned patterning, the neck utilizes horizontal yellow and brown stripes, and the head incorporates large, expressive concentric eyes. The piece combines functional vessel forms with abstract animal anatomy.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the glass appears vibrant with no visible chips, cracks, or surface dulling
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via high-end gallery retail or directly from a Venetian glass furnace; modern private collection
Art Historical Significance
Represents the continuation of the 'Commedia dell'arte' spirit in Italian glassmaking, where traditional techniques like zanfirico are used to create playful, non-traditional zoomorphic forms popular in the late 20th-century Murano revival.
Notable Features
Highly complex combination of multiple glass-working techniques (canes, murrine, and sculpting) in a single unified piece; distinctive use of a flared rim as the bird's crown
Condition Issues
No major condition issues noted; possible minor shelf wear on the underside of the base
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent thermal stress; use professional museum wax if displayed in high-traffic areas; clean only with non-abrasive, pH-neutral solutions