Collecting European art glass is a journey through Mid-Century Modernism, where technical mastery meets high art. A serious collection will inevitably focus on one or both of the two powerhouses of 20th-century glass: Italy and Scandinavia.

In the following pages you will find many fine examples of the vibrant colours and complex techniques typical of the Italian Masters, Bianconi, da Ros, and others, as well as the Finnish Pioneers, particularly Wirkkala and Sarpaneva, whose work is celebrated for its minimalist, organic forms inspired by the Nordic landscape, such as ice, bark and moss.

Other artists of note in this superb offering, drawn to the medium or to collaborations, include Picasso, who worked with Costantini and others, and the American, Thomas Stearns, who worked briefly at Venini in the early 1960s.

To register your interest in this significant collection, please contact the office.

If you have an important item or collection that you are considering selling, please do not hesitate to make an appointment for a complimentary appraisal. We would be delighted to hear from you. Our specialists travel frequently so if you are interstate, please let us know.

Illustrated:

PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973) Gufo monumental hand-blown Murano vase in clear, red and black glass, for E. COSTANTINI, FUCINA DEGLI ANGELI, circa 1962, engraved “E. Costantini, P. Picasso, Fucina Degli Angeli, Venezia, 1962”, 42cm high.

THOMAS STEARNS (1936-2006) Facciate Di Venezia (Facade of Venice), Murano glass vase hand-blown by glass maestro Checco Ongaro for VENINI, circa 1962, engraved “T. Stearns, 1962” and bearing original label “Venini, Murano, S.A.”, 37cm high.

FULVIO BIANCONI (1915-1996) Con Macchie Murano glass vase, hand-blown internally decorated with irregular fields of aquamarine and amethyst stains on clear glass body, made for VENINI, circa 1950, model 4325, three line acid etched signature to base “Venini, Murano, Italia”, also bears original foil label, 21.5cm high.

Featured Lots