Mid-Century Modern Amber and Red Art Glass Bowl

A thick-walled, hand-blown art glass piece, likely a decorative bowl or deep ashtray, showcasing classic Mid-Century Modern aesthetics. The item features a vibrant ombré effect, transitioning from a deep, rich brownish-red at the thick upper rim to a translucent amber-yellow toward the base. The construction is characterized by 'sommerso' or cased glass techniques, resulting in a heavy, substantial feel. The vessel possesses a circular profile with a wide, flat rim that shows some light surface abrasions and water spots. Internally, the glass contains organic undulations and small bubbles (seeds) typical of hand-crafted artisan production. At the bottom center, there is a visible pontil mark where the glass was detached from the blowpipe, which appears slightly textured or ground. While no manufacturer's label is immediately visible, the style and heavy prismatic quality are reminiscent of Murano (Italy) or Viking Glass (USA) productions from the 1960s to 1970s. The overall condition is fair to good, with visible moisture residue on the surface and minor shelf wear on the underside, though no major chips or structural cracks are apparent from this overhead perspective.

I have virtually examined this mid-century modern art glass piece, characterized by its sommerso-style casing and warm amber-to-red ombre gradient. The weight and thick-walled construction, combined with the ground pontil mark, suggest a production date between 1960 and 1975. While the heavy prismatic quality and color palette are consistent with Murano imports of the 'Mandruzzato' style, similar forms were also widely produced by American firms like Viking Glass or West Virginia Glass. In the current secondary market, decorative glass of this type remains popular for MCM interior design; however, the lack of a 'Murano' sticker or a confirmed signature limits the value to its decorative appeal rather than investment-grade fine art. The presence of surface abrasions and visible water spotting suggests it was a functional household object, which slightly impacts the 'Excellent' condition rating collectors seek. Comparables for unsigned bi-color cased glass bowls of this size typically hammer at auction between $30 and $60, with boutique retail pricing reaching $85. Limitations: Authentic attribution to a specific maestro or factory (like Seguso or Barbini) cannot be confirmed via image alone. A physical inspection would be required to analyze the exact composition of the glass (checking for lead content/weight), inspect the base for microscopic 'shelf wear' patterns consistent with age, and search for acid-etched signatures that may not be visible in high-glare photos. For insurance purposes, provenance or a original retail label would be necessary to elevate this valuation into the $150+ range.