Sommerso Fish Sculpture
Sculptural Decorative Art / Glassware • Attributed to the Murano school, Italy; style closely associated with designers like Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte or Alessandro Mandruzzato.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Murano Glass Movement
Medium & Technique
Murano glass featuring the 'Sommerso' (submerged) technique, involving layering contrasting colors of molten glass without mixing them. Includes hand-blown and polished finish.
Creation Period
circa 1950s–1970s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8 to 12 inches in length; horizontal landscape orientation for display on a flat surface.
Subject Description
A stylized, aerodynamic fish form. The composition features an internal core of deep cobalt blue encased in a vibrant emerald green layer, all submerged within a thick, clear crystal outer body. The aesthetic emphasizes fluidity and the optical refraction of light.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the glass appears clear with vibrant color saturation and no major fractures visible in the photograph.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $450 USD (varies significantly if a specific maker's mark or signature is found).
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via the mid-20th-century European export market. Most Murano pieces of this era carry history from private estates or specialized glass collections. No visible labels or acid-etched signatures are apparent in the image.
Art Historical Significance
The sommerso technique represented a technical breakthrough in Venetian glassmaking post-WWII, moving away from ornate classical styles toward minimalist, sculptural forms that defined the 'Italian Look' in global interior design.
Notable Features
Distinctive biomorphic shape and the high-contrast tri-color layering. The sharp taper of the tail and the polished 'eye' area are hallmarks of high-quality Murano craftsmanship from the peak of the mid-century era.
Condition Issues
Possible shelf wear on the base (scratches from movement), minor internal air bubbles (seeds) typical of hand-blown glass, and potential 'flea bites' or tiny nicks on the sharp edges of the tail.
Conservation Recommendations
Display away from direct sunlight to prevent thermal stress; clean only with a soft, lint-free cloth and distilled water; avoid abrasive chemical cleaners; display on a stable, non-slip surface.