Alessandro Manduzzato vase

This geometric sommerso glass vase, designed by Alessandro Mandruzzato and produced on the island of Murano, Italy, in the 1950s, is a refined example of mid-century Venetian glassmaking that bridges traditional technique with modernist form. The vase employs the sommerso method, in which successive layers of colored glass are encased in clear crystal, creating a visually rich interplay of tone, transparency, and depth.

The internal structure of the vase features a deep olive green core, surrounded by a vibrant amber layer, both encased in a thick outer layer of clear glass. These layered strata produce a complex chromatic gradient, shifting in density and tone depending on the viewing angle and light conditions. The effect is intensified by the clarity of the crystal, which serves as both a magnifier and a refracting medium, emphasizing the internal form and enhancing the illusion of three-dimensional depth.

Formally, the vase is vertically oriented with a square base and subtly tapering prism-like walls. Each side is precisely cut and polished, producing sharp, faceted planes that catch and transmit light with clarity. This precise geometry accentuates the optical effects of the layered glass and gives the piece a sculptural, architectural quality. The flat polished base and sharply defined edges reflect the technical rigor of its execution.

An original green label reading “G.E.V. Murano Glass Made in Italy” is affixed to one face of the vase, identifying its Murano origin. While the exact relationship between the G.E.V. label and the Mandruzzato studio remains part of the broader Murano production network, the stylistic and technical attributes align closely with the work attributed to Alessandro Mandruzzato, whose family studio was established in 1934 and became known for its bold, faceted forms and mastery of Venetian techniques such as sommerso, battuto, and incalmo.

Alessandro Mandruzzato and his family’s workshop have been instrumental in advancing Murano glass into the realm of modern design, particularly in the postwar period. Their work merges centuries-old methods with a language of clean lines and optical complexity suited to mid-century and contemporary interiors.

The vase is in very good vintage condition. It shows minor surface wear and abrasions consistent with age and handling, visible under close inspection, but no chips, cracks, or structural issues. The integrity of the glass and the clarity of the internal layering are well preserved. The original label is partially intact.

Dimensions: 7 cm in width and depth, 19 cm in height (approximately 2.76 × 2.76 × 7.48 inches).