Luigi Scarpa Croce and Alfredo Barbini
Sommerso bowl with fumato technique
VAMSA
Italy, 1938-40
Submerged glass bowl featuring numerous layers
7 1/4" l, 6 1/4" w, 3” h (18.5, 16, 7.5 cm)
The late thirties and early forties many consider to be the high-water mark for V.A.M.S.A. production. Artistic Director Luigi Scarpa Croce collaborated closely with master glassblower Alfredo Barbini and the result was almost magical. Their output was decidedly different from their peers, and the execution was of the highest quality. The fumato technique, as seen in this bowl, was devised by Alfredo Barbini and it saw great success. It was exhibited in the 1940 Venice Biennale in a few different pieces. To achieve this cloudy effect, molten glass was exposed to wood smoke, where it was encapsulated and could also be manipulated into distinct patterns. For me, this is such a refined technique that adds an element of mystery to the final piece. The bowl seen here features four distinct layers—green glass, gold leaf, fumato, and a thick layer of clear glass. To add intrigue, the wide rim has been tooled into a lovely, scalloped motif. This is a wonderful example of immediate pre-war glass production of the highest caliber.
Vetreria Artistica Muranese Societá Anonima is the full name of the V.A.M.S.A. acronym.
Excellent condition.
Reference: 1932-1942 Murano Glass and the Venice Biennale, Barovier and Sonego, pp. 338-339 discuss company history and the fumato technique, and p. 383 shows related examples.
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