Mid-Century Modern Murano-Style Sommerso Amethyst Glass Bud Vase

This is a tall, slender glass bud vase created using the 'Sommerso' (submerged) technique, a method synonymous with Murano glassmaking. The piece features a deep amethyst or dark purple core encased in a thick, clear crystal glass outer layer. The base is expertly crafted into a 'toe-foot' or lobed design with six distinct rounded protrusions that provide stability. These clear glass lobes transition smoothly into a tall, pinched neck that flares out at the rim into a tri-lobed, organic, or petal-like opening. The construction shows high-quality craftsmanship, characterized by the clarity of the glass and the precise layering of colors. Physically, the vase stands approximately 10 to 12 inches tall. While no specific maker's marks are visible in the image, the style and form are consistent with the mid-20th-century work of Italian glass houses such as Seguso or Mandruzzato from the 1960s. The overall condition appears excellent, exhibiting high reflectivity and clear transparency; however, typical shelf wear or minor 'flea bites' to the base might be expected upon close physical inspection. The fluid, vertical lines and dark interior core create a sophisticated silhouette typical of the Space Age and Retro-Modern periods.

I have virtually examined this mid-century Sommerso glass bud vase. The piece exhibits the characteristic 'submerged' technique with an amethyst core encased in clear glass, culminating in a distinctive six-lobed 'toe-foot' base. The craftsmanship suggests a 1960s-era Murano origin, likely from the workshops of Seguso or Mandruzzato. Visually, the glass shows excellent clarity with no internal clouding or significant 'sick glass' symptoms, and the tri-lobed rim appears intact without major chips. Market demand for Italian Sommerso remains steady, particularly for sculptural vertical forms that fit 'Space Age' or 'Retro-Modern' aesthetics. Similar unsigned Murano bud vases typically realize between $150 and $250 at specialized boutique auctions or high-end vintage marketplaces. Factors such as the deep saturation of the amethyst core and the stability of the lobed base positively impact value. However, the lack of a furnace signature or original foil label restricts this piece to the mid-commercial tier rather than the premium collector market. Limitations: As this is a visual inspection, I cannot verify the presence of 'flea bites' or micro-scratches on the base that would diminish value. Full authentication would require a tactile examination of the base wear to confirm age-appropriate shelf friction and an inspection under UV light to check for repair resins. Provenance documentation or a verified 'Murano' label remains necessary to solidify attribution to a specific glass house.