Alfredo Barbini, possibly under the design direction of Erme Ripa or Luigi Scarpa Croce
Sommerso bowl with fumato technique
VAMSA
Italy, 1938-42
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 Directors Erme Ripa and Luigi Scarpa Croce collaborated closely with master glassblower Alfredo Barbini, and the results were almost magical. Erme Ripa was Artistic Director at the time of the 1938 Venice Biennale and Luigi Scarpa Croce was Artistic Director for the 1940 and 42 Venice Biennales. The output of V.A.M.S.A. 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 in 1938 and it saw great success. It was exhibited in the 1940 and 42 Venice Biennales in various forms. 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. It is difficult to say whether the design of this sculptural bowl can be tied to either of the early Artistic Directors of V.A.M.S.A., or if it truly was both designed and executed by Alfredo Barbini. Regardless, it is a stellar example of both design and execution 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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