Unusual bowl, purpose and maker?

[infract]

Hi there,

I just had a few quiestions about this bowl and was wondering if anyone could help :) First off, is it likely to be Murano, if so any ideas which MRF it could be from. Secondly what would it have been used for. Someone told me it could be a cigar ashtray, which would explain the funny shape.

The bowl measures approx 6.5" long x 7.5" wide x 2" high. It is a light greeny blue in colour with controlled bubbles and lots of gold inclusions (gold foil?). It has a smooth polished pontil. The only other thing that stands out is the blue squiggle in the centre of the bowl. I am not sure if this was an accident or a trademark of a particular MRF.I do not have any info about the age or origin of this piece as it was bought at a trash and treasure and does not have any labels attached. Sorry I can't be of more help :o Any feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

Cheers, Infract

[fossilfly]

I would atribute it to Fratelli Toso, as they made many similar bowls/ashtrays in many different colors, wild shapes and gold powders. The center swirl isn't indicative of any particular manufacturer, but did make me think of Fratelli Toso's starry night pattern seen in some of their objects. Fratelli Toso used paper labels, so it is not unusual to see that it doesn't have a label anymore.

Charlie

[glassman]

Leslie Pina's book, "Italian Glass" has multiple pages of Fratelli Toso bowls in many different colors and shapes.

[infract]

Cool, thanks for all the info. You've been very helpfull ;)