Vintage Murano Sommerso Faceted Glass Bowl / Ashtray

A striking vintage Murano Sommerso art glass bowl or ashtray, dating from approximately the 1960s. A particularly sculptural example, formed from a substantial mass of clear glass incorporating a vivid red and pink submerged interior. The exterior has been extensively cut and polished into bold geometric facets, creating a jewel-like appearance and producing wonderful changes of colour as the piece is viewed from different angles. The combination of thick clear crystal, saturated internal colour and pronounced faceting is characteristic of the sophisticated decorative glass produced on Murano during the post-war Mid-Century period. Although originally conceived as an ashtray or decorative bowl, today it works particularly well as a stand-alone sculptural glass object, especially when displayed where natural light can pass through the coloured glass. The piece has considerable visual presence despite its relatively compact dimensions and would sit particularly well alongside other examples of Italian Sommerso glass. Technique: Sommerso / faceted art glass Colour: Red and pink within clear glass Form: Bowl / ashtray / decorative object ATTRIBUTION Stylistically it belongs to the classic Murano faceted Sommerso tradition associated with makers such as Seguso and Mandruzzato and with designs of the Flavio Poli period.