Sommerso Art Glass Bowl in Red and Amber
Decorative glass sculpture / Studio glass vessel • Attributed to Murano glassmakers (such as Seguso Vetri d'Arte or Flavio Poli for Archimede Seguso), Italian school
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Italian Murano Art Glass
Medium & Technique
Blown glass utilizing the sommerso (submerged) technique, featuring cased layers of amber and deep ruby red glass with hand-manipulated folded rims.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1950s-1960s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated diameter: 10 to 14 inches, irregular organic multi-lobed shallow vessel format
Subject Description
An organic, abstract floral or geometric form shaped into a multi-lobed decorative bowl. The piece exhibits a controlled color transition from a warm amber core through bright orange to a rich cranberry or ruby red rim, capturing and refracting light dynamically.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition. Shows light surface wear consistent with age, including minor micro-scratches on the base and interior surfaces, but no apparent major chips, cracks, or structural losses.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a mid-century decorative import or souvenir from Murano, Italy, descending through private ownership.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the post-war Murano glass renaissance, where Italian glassmakers pushed the boundaries of color layering and abstract sculptural forms, heavily influencing international design and the American Studio Glass movement.
Notable Features
The striking sommerso color gradient from golden amber to deep ruby red combined with the distinct multi-lobed folded rim design characteristic of mid-century Venetian studio craftsmanship.
Condition Issues
Standard surface wear, light scuffing on the flat resting base, and occasional tiny trapped air bubbles inherent to the hand-blowing process.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep clean with a soft microfiber cloth and mild glass cleaner. Display on a stable, padded surface away from direct edge hazards and intense thermal shock environments.