Flavio Poli

FLAVIO POLI (Italy, 1900 - 1984).
Vase, ca. 1970's.
Glass "sommerso" of Murano.
Similar examples are referenced in "Seguso Vetri D'Arte. Glass objects from Murano (1932-1973)", Marc Heiremans, Arnoldsche.
Measurements: 20 x 9 x 5 cm.

Elegant teardrop-shaped vase, made with the technique of glass "sommerso", in which two different colored glass masses are fused, usually leaving the lighter in the outer layer. In this case it has been used an inner layer of a pink color, degrading towards paler tones, until becoming translucent on the walls, which have been curved during the blowing. For the exterior has resorted to a layer of colorless glass with yellow reminiscent of great purity, which accumulates at the base acquiring a great thickness and highlighting the clean line of union between the two masses of glass.

Italian ceramist and glassmaker, Flavio Poli was mainly known for his pieces made with the "sommerso" technique. He worked for Seguso Vetri D'Arte.

The high value of Murano glass is explained by the artisanal and secret process of its manufacturers. Made on the Italian island of Murano, this glass has special properties and offers colors and shapes unlike any other glass. The history of Murano glass manufacturing dates back to the 8th century. By the 12th century Venice had become extremely popular for its fine glass. To keep the glassmaking business unique and profitable, a law was passed in 1271 stating that no foreign glass could be imported for manufacturing and no foreign glass workers could be hired. However, in the 13th century all glassmaking furnaces were moved by law from Venice to Murano because the fires there posed a great risk to the wooden structures of Venice. In combination, these two laws ensure that Murano glass is unique even today; created by artists and craftsmen from a small group of islands in Italy. The secrets of glassmaking have been passed down from father to son and from master to apprentice.