Bianconi or not?

[brukie]

A woman showed this vase to me in order to have research done (full disclosure: I work at an auction house), and I have looked at a few hundred pieces of Bianconi glass. I just doesn't look like anything he did with Venini, and it doesn't say Venini in the signature. It is, undoubtedly, a very serious piece of glass - about 14" tall and absolutely stunning in person. I actually like it a lot more than any Bianconi I've seen.
Anyone have any ideas about who could have done it, or has anyone seen any Bianconi pieces that are similar?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer -
Brooke

http://www.pacgal.com/vase.htm

[spartina]

Hey Brooke, welcome. I took a look at the photos, do you have any in color?
Its tough to make out some of the details.

[brukie]

The photos are in color - the piece is black with clear casing over it. I am not in possession of it at this time, so I can't post any additional photos.
Thanks for the welcome and the reply!
-Brooke

[brukie]

You can also click on the photos to enlarge them if you haven't already.
-Brooke

[spartina]

The photos are in color - the piece is black with clear casing over it. I am not in possession of it at this time, so I can't post any additional photos.
Thanks for the welcome and the reply!

Wow, I just assumed that they were in B&W.Very unusual!

[glassman]

Hi. Thanks for the terrific puzzle and post. Fulvio Bianconi has collaborated witha Venini a few times in his lifetime, and many of his works from Venini have an acid stamp or otherwise documented, so it is not made while at Venini. However this leaves many other potental periods when it could have been made. With Cedenese? Zanetti? It seems like a quality piece, but it stands in stark contrast to much of his more colorful works. Come to think of it, I don't think I have seen a piece that was signed by him. Do you have any more info in the vase?
Have you considered contacting the family at http://www.fulviobianconi.com ?

[TxSilver]

I don't know the vase. Biaconi worked some with Mazzega. I wonder if this may have been produced in that period. I was able to find one black & white on clear glass vase he made for them. It didn't look like his work, either. Maybe you would have some luck looking at Mazzega?

Anita

[brukie]

I looked at some Mazzega, and those few look like the Venini work to me. As you know, it's hard to find examples of signatures on any pieces and that can be a moot point since maestros usually have assistants that sign pieces for them. I did send the photos to the Bainconi family but I have not heard from them and I sort of don't expect to.
The shape and the intensity of the design doesn't bother me so much as the corroso finish and the lack of color, you know? It's just not very playful - and it seems like even when his work is a bit more grim (with the severed hand figures and stuff) it's still colorful.
The consignor doesn't know anything about it (she bought some Murano pieces from an estate, all of varying quality and condition - this being the absolute best of it) and is hoping I can find something.
Thank you all so much for giving me more to go on - I'll be looking at the Cenedese and Zanetti examples, too.
-Brooke

[publius71]

I can't really help with your research, but please post when you learn more about the piece. It is very unique and interesting!:)

[brukie]

I received an email from the Bianconi heirs' representative who stated that the piece comes out of Poland and that someone in England was arrested for attempting to sell one (vaguely threatening - very nice). That was a funny experience.
Many thanks for everyone's help.

[TxSilver]

Good job, Brukie! Your questions about it being Bianconi paid off. I know that it is disappointing to learn it is not what it was said to be, but it is good to learn before putting it on the auction block.

I have seen a lot of beautiful Polish glass. Some of it looks Venetian, so I can see how people could be fooled. I love to see your research paid off.

Anita

[fossilfly]

Good job, Brukie! Your questions about it being Bianconi paid off. I know that it is disappointing to learn it is not what it was said to be, but it is good to learn before putting it on the auction block.

I have seen a lot of beautiful Polish glass. Some of it looks Venetian, so I can see how people could be fooled. I love to see your research paid off.

Anita

Im glad to hear that your hard work found you an answer. So many times it is impossible to positively ID a piece, and you did so successfully.
Congratulations on finding the truth, but sorry that you have to inform your client that it is not a true Bianconi.

[brukie]

The owner of the piece was a bit disappointed, but she only spent $30 for it (!). I told I thought it would sell for between 100-300$ just as a nice looking vase.
Thanks again -
Brooke

[bonitao123]

I dont know if this is a real Bianconi or Not, but as Glassman said,
Bianconi dont worked only for Venini and not all his pieces are signed
i got one Commedia dell'arte not signed, whit sticker from Seguso.