Sommerso Oval Vase
Decorative Art / Glassware • Attributed to Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte (Murano, Italy)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Italian Modernism
Medium & Technique
Murano glass created using the 'Sommerso' (submerged) technique, involving layering contrasting colors of molten glass without mixing them, followed by hand-polishing and cold-cutting to create faceted surfaces.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-10 inches in height; vertical oval format with a weighted base.
Subject Description
A non-objective sculptural vessel featuring a deep cobalt blue core encased in a thick layer of clear lead crystal. The top is characterized by a slanted, geometric cold-cut rim that reveals the internal color layering through refractive lensing. The form is sleek, minimalist, and emphasizes the optical properties of high-quality glass.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the glass retains high clarity and sharp edges on the cut facets.
Estimated Market Value
$350 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$250 - $450 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via the secondary vintage market; absence of original 'Murano' foil labels suggests prior domestic use.
Art Historical Significance
A quintessential example of the Sommerso technique popularized by Flavio Poli in the 1950s, which won the Compasso d'Oro award. It represents the post-war shift in Venetian glassmaking from ornate, traditional styles to clean, architectural forms influenced by Nordic minimalism.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'cold-cut' beveled rim which creates a yellow-green prismatic effect at the edges due to light refraction through the thick crystal casing.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scratches (flea bites) on the base consistent with age; potential light interior lime scaling if used for water; no visible chips or terminal cracks.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only with mild soap and lukewarm water; avoid abrasive cleaners. Display away from high-traffic edges to prevent tipping and use museum wax on the base for stability.