Fish (Vase or Sculpture)
Decorative Art / Studio Glass Sculpture • Attributed to Murano school (likely Seguso Vetri d'Arte or Alessandro Pianon manner)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Italian Murano
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown clear and emerald green glass; sommerso or appliqué technique with hand-pulled fins and applied glass eye
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1950s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-10 inches in height; asymmetrical organic format
Subject Description
Stylized anthropomorphic fish with a bulbous body, tail fin resting on the surface, and a single elongated green fin acting as a tripod support. It features a recessed 'mouth' opening at the top and a vibrant green applied eye.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; overall clarity is high with no visible fractures or large chips in the photographic evidence
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $650 USD
Auction Estimate
$250 - $450 USD
Provenance History
Likely private collection; standard market circulation for Italian export glass from the post-war period
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war boom of Venetian glassmaking where traditional techniques were applied to playful, modern zoomorphic forms, moving glass from functional craft to fine art sculpture.
Notable Features
Unique tripod design using the fin as a structural support; striking contrast between clear glass body and saturated emerald green elements
Condition Issues
Possible light surface scratches to the base (shelf wear) and minor internal air bubbles (seeds) common to hand-blown glass
Conservation Recommendations
Dust with a microfiber cloth; avoid chemical cleaners; display away from high-traffic edges to prevent tipping of the tripod base