Murano Sommerso Glass Vide-Poche (19560s/70s)

Murano Sommerso Glass Vide-Poche

For centuries, the Venetian island of Murano has been synonymous with the finest art glass in the world. Protected by the Venetian Republic from the thirteenth century onwards, Murano’s glassmakers developed techniques that were closely guarded for generations. By the mid-twentieth century, the island had become the centre of a remarkable period of innovation, with glasshouses such as Seguso, Mandruzzato, Venini and Sommerso producing bold, sculptural objects that came to define Italian modern design.

This elegant vide-poche is created using the sommerso technique, one of Murano’s most celebrated innovations. Meaning ‘submerged’ in Italian, sommerso involves encasing one coloured layer of glass within another layer of crystal while the glass remains molten. The process creates remarkable optical depth, allowing colour to appear suspended within the glass and shift beautifully as the piece catches the light.

Its geometric rectangular form contrasts with the soft, organic bowl that appears to float within it. The combination of cool blue encased within warm peach-tinted crystal creates an ever-changing interplay of colour and reflection, making the piece as sculptural as it is functional.

Designed as a vide-poche -literally ‘empty pockets’- it is the perfect resting place for keys, jewellery or other treasured objects, while also serving as a striking standalone work of glass sculpture. Pieces of this quality demonstrate why Murano glass remains among the most collected decorative arts of the twentieth century.

Details

Origin: Murano, Italy

Date: c.1960s-70s

Technique: Sommerso

Materials: Hand-blown blue glass encased in peach-tinted crystal

Dimensions

Width: 13 cm

Depth: 8 cm

Height: 5 cm

Condition

Very good vintage condition with light age-related wear consistent with use.