Is it authentic?

[lkinney]

I am considering purchasing this sculpture from a vendor through the internet. The auctioneer claims that it was purchased on a trip to Italy during a honeymoon and then brought back. Could anyone please advise. Thanks for your time.

[Langhaugh]

This is a familiar design in Murano, created a well known artist and copied by a few furnaces and in a variety of colours. Is it Murano? Probably. Should you buy it? Well, it depends on the price and how much you like it. I'd be a little concerned that it doesn't have the signature of a well-known artist on it, as many of these pieces do. I'd also be concerned about what someone who bought it in Murano thinks it's worth.

For example, I recently came across a sculpture in an antiques store by a well known Murano artist. It was on consignment from someone who had bought it in Murano for $12,000. The person had turned down an offer of $3500. My advice was that she should have taken the $3500. I went home and checked auction lists. A slightly smaller version had sold recently for $450. Not typical I know, but not exceptional either.

But as I said, it is probably Murano and you have to decide how much you want it.

Good luck,

David


PS I've also seened a signed copy of this in a store for $150, but I couldn't say that it was a genuine signature. I didn't buy it.

[tam bam]

I can barely make out the signature, but does it say Giuliano Tosi?

tam bam

[tam bam]

Yes, it is very real. Is the sculpture on Ebay? Does the seller know who made it?

I do think the sculpture is made in Murano and the signature is Maestro Giuliano Tosi. Here is more information on his work.

http://www.muranovenezia.com.au/artists.php?ID=10

tam bam

P.S. - If you would like any more expert advice regarding Tosi's work there is another person to ask. His name is Alex and he is in Venice. He has an online gallery called Art of Venice. I believe he knows a lot more about Tosi than anyone. Also Tosi is very well known in Murano. He is one of their current Maestros and nobody has published a book on the modern Maestros yet so that is the reason why you don't hear a lot about his work, but nevertheless, his work is shown in galleries all over the world and is a current rising star in modern Murano glass. Here is a link to Alex's gallery:

http://www.artofvenice.com/

[tam bam]

Ok, after looking at his signature, yes, the sculpture is by Tosi. Here is the link I found with his signature. Click on the pic and there are 3 pics. The last one is his signature. The next button is hidden in the photo so you will have to put your curser on the side of the pic to be able to click in the next button.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedi...igned-giuliano

I hope this helps.

tam bam

Here is another link. http://www.kaimengallery.co.uk/Pages...lianotosi.html

[Langhaugh]

Well spotted, Tami. I never noticed the signature in that photograph.

I'm probably over-cautious about these sculptures as I've seen versions by Pino Signoretto, Dino Rosin http://www.paragonfineart.com/images...in-passion.jpg, and less similar ones on eBay, http://cgi.ebay.com/artistic-Lovers-...item5d2721b978,

It still depends on how much it is and how much you like it. Also, I wouldn't buy it as an investment.

Tami's advice about asking Alex is great as he's very knowledgeable and reliable.

David

[lkinney]

I am a college student living in Southern California and I have recently discovered the beauty of art glass. It is becoming a bit of an obsession. I appreciate your advise and that you sought out the corresponding signature to the piece. I aesthetically enjoy the piece but I am looking to put my money in a wise position for potential appreciation.
What is the best way to go about this? Is it better to save larger sums of money for a few prestigious pieces or to buy a series of smaller pieces?
Where can I look to become more educated on the glass art world? Any books, websites, magazines? Thanks for you time.