Italian Murano Art Glass Bowl Ashtray Fratelli Toso-Bubbles Mid Century Modern

  

For the past 100+ years, the island of Murano off the coast of Italy has been known to produce countless numbers of amazing art glass in many different forms. During the middle of the 20th century, studios on the island produced many beautiful works of art to complement the resurgence of the art deco style of interior decor. Many beautiful freeform examples in the shapes of bowls and ashtrays came on the market place, a number of them were produced by the company Fratelli Toso. Other studios such as Cenedese, Seguso, Venini, etc also contributed awesome works of art to the marketplace. From research, I strongly believe this example to have originated from Fratelli as it closely resembles other pieces produced at this factory.

It exhibits a bright orange colored interior highlighted by the opaque milk glass back side. Intermixed in the glass is a spiral pattern of controlled bubbles starting from the center and working outward to the tooled fingered rim. The bowl possibly was blown from one end as a twisted "knot" consumes one corner. The dish stands 3 1/2" tall at the backside fold and measures 9 1/2" across the widest region.

Thorough examination reveals no damages or repairs, very little if any scratching on the inside from use. On the bottom, a flat ground, polished area allows this piece to sit without wobbling. I will mention and common with this type of glassware, a small what I believe to be an ash fleck is visible close to the rim, as pictured. I also felt a slightly rough spot at the end of the twist-I believe this to have occurred when the glass was tooled and sheared off during production.

Neither aspect deters from the appearance. A great item to add sunshine to the room!

Please view all pictures as they are considered part of the description. Please check back to my listings often as I will be posting many fine examples of glass, pottery and porcelain in the near future.