Luigi Scarpa Croce and Alfredo Barbini Sommerso bowl with fumato technique
VAMSA Italy, 1938-40 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 collaborative efforts of Luigi Scarpa Croce and 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. That underscores the importance and truly forward-thinking design efforts of Scarpa Croce and Barbini. The fumato technique 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. 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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