Alfredo Barbini, possibly under the design direction of Erme Ripa or Luigi Scarpa Croce
Sommerso bowl with fumato technique
VAMSA
Italy, 1938-42
Heavy glass kidney-shaped bowl with detailed execution
9” l, 6” w, 3 3/8” h (23, 15, 8.5)
This beautiful bowl was the result of the wonderful imagination and talents of Alfredo Barbini and has been an icon of the Murano glass collecting field since its inception. This early modernist kidney shape would soon become an important form in the post-war design world, but you see it here in the immediate pre-war period. The fumato technique, as seen here, was developed by Alfredo Barbini in 1938 while master glassblower at V.A.M.S.A. To achieve this cloudy effect, molten glass was exposed to wood smoke, where it was encapsulated and could also be manipulated into distinct patterns. As exemplified in this bowl, the fumato technique was carried to the next level through manipulation into distinct striations and carefully placed air bubbles. It is difficult to say whether the design of this sculptural bowl can be tied to either of the early Artistic Directors of VAMSA, Erme Ripa for the 1938 Venice Biennale or Luigi Scarpa Croce for the 1940 and 42 Venice Biennales, or if it truly was both designed and executed by Alfredo Barbini. Regardless, this piece is truly tangible expertise, and one can easily understand why this series is highly sought after today. This particular example is of a larger size than one often sees, making it perfect for accentuating your coffee or large side table.
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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