Looking Glass

[Looking Glass]

Hi again. Went to a major antiques fair with the intention of aquiring some Murano Glass. I saw these two vases, loved them and bought them. I was informed by the (reputable) dealer that they are Seguso, probably Archemede Seguso. I understand that they were manufactured using the "Sommerso" technique. I have been surfing the net and they seem to be circa 1960 and of fair value, I hope. Anybody out there who can put a name to the designer, the manufacturer and a date to these two beautiful pieces.
However, as I have not drawn any response since I uploaded the pictures, it does seem that these two pieces have visitors to this forum stumped.
Pity, 'cos I was really hoping to get some sort of validation.
Can any one tell me where or who I could approach to answer my queery?

[drabkin]

Welcome! I would like to see what you have, please post pics!;)

[drabkin]

They are definitely sommerso, a technique that Seguso is known for. Do they have labels or signatures?

[fossilfly]

I was informed by the (reputable) dealer that they are Seguso, probably Archemede Seguso. I understand that they were manufactured using the "Sommerso" technique.

I think Archemede Seguso is a good call. A unique variation on sommerso, very nicely done.

[Looking Glass]

Thanks Drabkin. No, unfortunately there is no signature or any labels. I have insured them for R5 000-00 each (5000 Rands; that's about $720-00).
Are you able to guess a value? I don't know if I over paid for them or if I got lucky. It wouldn't make any difference to their personal worth to me, but I need to insure them correctly.

[Looking Glass]

Thanks Charlie at Fossilfly. You said "a unique variation".
Would you like to take a flyer as to their value? I need to insure them at their replacement value. All help appreciated.

[TxSilver]

It looks like you have a couple of nice teardrop vases. These types of summerso vases were done by several companies, including Seguso, Ferro, Cenedese, Salviati, and others. Seguso is a very likely possibility, because Seguso had high production. One frequently sees Seguso in the US.

The value of the vases depends on their size, maker, and condition. The 12" vases by Seguso generally are valued at $100-200 each for vases in excellent condition -- not including eBay values, which tend to be 1/10-1/4 of appraised values. The larger vases go for more. (Appraised value estimates drawn from similar vases in Pina's Italian Glass Century 20.)

Hope this helps some,
Anita

[Looking Glass]

Hi Anita. Your input is much appreciated. Yes, these are the 12" type of vases. You reckon they are worth $100 - $200each. In this case, and if this is the correct value, I may have paid too much for them. However, I saw similar pieces on ebay being offered for around EURO 3000-00. So now I must do some serious research. I will look around on the web using same to gen myself up on this.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Again I say; all comments are welcome and appreciated.
Nick.

[TxSilver]

Putting a value on Murano is difficult. I have seen expensive pieces go for little money, and less expensive pieces go for good money. So much has to do with who is shopping at the time. Something that is important in teardrop vases that I forgot to mention is the combination of colors and the artistic quality of the layers.

Leslie Pina's Italian Glass Century 20 is an excellent book. It is very incomplete -- it would take volumes to include everything -- but it has been a good starting book for me. Her book on Fratelli Toso is a very good book, too, though again far from complete. Amazon.com has the best prices I've seen for the latter book if anyone is interested in them.

Anita

[Glassyeyes]

Hi; There are a number of "Seguso" makers. These may well be designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri D'arte . They are not Archimede Seguso or Livio Seguso etc. That family is all over the place in Murano Art Glass. A number of other makers made Sommerso glass. Poli was the first and the highest quality. Your best bet is to confirm that they are from Poli. If so, they will be relatively valuable.
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[Looking Glass]

Hi Glassyeyes.
Thanks very much for your input. I had a surf about and found vases of the same shape and colourings, which as you correctly stated are attributed to Flavio Poli, but they lacked the coloured ribbon/bead running through the "clear/amber" glass, as is the case in my vases.
I would really like to locate at least another one, of a different colour of course. I am completely mesmerised by these two pieces. To me, they are truely beautiful.