Arte Vetraria Muranese, attr. Bullicante fish atop base
Italy, ca. 1938/40 Aqua colored fish with a ribbed body featuring silver leaf and controlled bubbles. 11 1/4" l, 8" h, 3 3/4" w (28.5, 20.5, 9.5cm)
Vetro pesante, or heavy glass, animal and fish sculptures were immensely popular on Murano beginning in the mid-thirties. With each designer and company trying to outdo their peers, you saw a vast array of styles with a plethora of glass techniques employed. This particular fish has all the design and execution hallmarks of AVEM, with its profuse use of silver leaf and multiple layers of bullicante (controlled bubbles) providing a very stylized result. To add to things, the fish sits atop a sculpted base which also contains silver leaf and bullicante. The craftsmanship of this piece is very obvious, and the size makes it even more remarkable.
Condition is very good. One minor bruise, around 1/8” long, on the base that is only visible upon very close inspection.
