Vintage midcentury NASON Murano artglass bowl anemone

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Vintage midcentury NASON Murano artglass bowl anemone

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Sold Date: 07/11/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Glass

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY

CASED ITALIAN ART GLASS

NASON

AQUA, WHITE & AVENTURINE

I am a stay-at-home mommy with way too much stuff in storage boxes. In the last few years, we merged two existing households, received wedding presents and then baby gifts, and shortly after, we moved to a new state.

Since then, I've been trying to clear out the boxes by finding new homes for the better things on Ebay. I only list items that are in good condition. Any flaws are noted in detail.

Before I remarried, I was an avid collector of vintage Murano glass, mainly from the 50s and 60s. I am particularly fond of Barbini, Nason, and Fratelli Toso. When we moved, I realized that my glass collection was out of control, but it was my new son (now an active 2-yr-old) that prompted me to find new homes for some of my delicate collectibles.

Recently, my toddler figured out how to stack things to allow himself to reach previously-safe display shelves. This is not safe for him or my glass collection, and since he prompted the fall (and damage) of a very large, very favored, very valuable piece, I've now decided to part with all but a few cherished pieces.

This auction is for a vintage aqua, white and aventurine Murano "sea anemone" bowl that I believe to be produced by the Nason studio, circa 1950 to 1960.

This item is a very unusual, larger bowl produced by one of the lesser known Murano studios (but arguably my favorite, competing in my heart with Barbini). It has a ground pontil and four layers. The base of the bowl is formed by an opaque white (lattimo) layer that includes a coating of small, sparkling aventurine clouds. The interior is then coated with a clear layer with more aventurine inclusions that form a starburst pattern.

A third layer of glass coats the interior of the bowl. This layer is gradiated; clear in the center of the bowl, fading to a transparent aqua blue at the edges of the bowl.

The base is then coated with a thick clear layer of glass, which is worked into floating waves that peek out at some of the freeform aqua blue edges.

This piece was clearly designed as a bowl - NOT an ashtray. I displayed it upright on a wooden easel, but it would look lovely displayed on a table with some zen riverstones or even with candy for entertaining. (Note: Long-term food storage on mid-century glass is not recommended due to the common use of glass with low levels of uranium. It probably couldn't hurt you, but why take the chance?)

The work on the edges and bottom of this bowl are typical of Seguso pieces of this period. However, the colors, the aventurine technique, the organic shape, and the rolled edges are much more indicative of Nason's work.

This bowl is approximately 11" in diameter and 2" tall. Like most mid-century Italian glass, it is very heavy, weighing a little over 3 lbs.

This dish has no chips, cracks, or hazing. The pontil was covered by felt by a previous owner (I bought this from an estate), but this could be removed if you prefer. T are 2 tiny ash inclusions near one edge of the bowl (the longest is less than a quarter inch), and the pulls show tool marks (which are almost unavoidable for such defined pulls), but still visible if you are looking for evidence of handcrafting versus mass manufacturing.

No reserve, bidding starts low to encourage interest. NON-SMOKING HOME. Please feel free to email me with any questions.

If you like Italian glass, please check out my other listings, and watch for future offerings. I have a few more boxes that I haven't unpacked yet.

SHIPPING: This item weighs approximately 4 lbs. with a box and plenty of bubblewrap for shipping. I try to list the 3 least expensive shipping options. No hidden charges, just exact postage . If you'd prefer a different shipping method, just let me know.

Insurance is optional. Although I pack with great care, I cannot be responsible for items that are lost or damaged in the mail.

I love to combine items! I am always happy to save ...