Block with Inclusions (likely from the 'Sassi' or 'Murrine' series)
Studio glass sculpture, monolithic slab format • Attributed to or in the manner of Antonio Da Ros for Cenedese or Livio Seguso
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Murano Studio Glass
Medium & Technique
Murano glass; sommerso (submerged) technique with internal macromurrine or spherical inclusions, cold-cut and polished surfaces
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1960s-1980s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8 to 12 inches in height; vertical rectangular orientation on a dark smoky glass base
Subject Description
An abstract geometric composition featuring a thick rectangular glass block with a stepped top. The interior contains suspended primary-colored spheres (red, blue, and green) suggesting organic cellular forms or planets, contrasted against a smoky or semi-opaque background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the glass appears bright with high clarity and intact polished edges
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; typical of high-end Italian decorative arts imported to international markets during the boom of Murano studio glass
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war shift in Venetian glassmaking from functional vessels to pure sculptural forms. Pieces by Gino Cenedese's workshop, particularly those designed by Da Ros, are celebrated for their 'submerged' color effects which influenced modern glass art globally.
Notable Features
The 'stepped' silhouette of the block and the high-contrast saturation of the internal colored bubbles are characteristic of top-tier Murano glass houses like Cenedese.
Condition Issues
Possible light surface scratches (fritter) or shelf wear on the bottom of the base; no visible chips or cracks in the provided image
Conservation Recommendations
Display away from direct vibration; clean only with a soft, lint-free cloth and distilled water; avoid harsh chemical solvents that could affect the surface tension of the glass
Collector Notes
Glass