REDUCED Vintage Murano Glass Swan Sculpture | Sommerso Technique Art Glass | Italian Bird Figurine | Mid Century Modern Home Decor Gift

Exquisite vintage Murano glass swan sculpture showcasing the masterful Sommerso technique - a breathtaking example of Italian artistry from the golden age of Venetian glass production. This museum-quality piece features complex multi-layered colors that create stunning depth and luminosity, with olive green and golden yellow flowing seamlessly into darker emerald tones, accented by a warm orange band that melts into a creamy white base.
Standing gracefully on its clear crystal pedestal, this 15 inch tall sculpture captures the elegant essence of a swan with its spiraling curved neck and flowing tail design. The piece demonstrates the sophisticated Sommerso (“submerged”) technique, where multiple layers of colored glass are built up through repeated immersion in crucibles of different molten glass colors - a process perfected by master artisans at legendary Murano factories during the 1950s-1960s.
The artistry behind this piece
Sommerso technique mastery defines this sculpture’s exceptional quality. Developed in the 1930s and perfected during the mid-century modern period, this complex process creates the mesmerizing depth you see in the layered colors. Each hue remains distinct yet harmoniously blended, creating an almost liquid transparency that seems to glow from within when light passes through.
The carefully controlled color palette reflects the sophisticated aesthetic of 1950s-1960s Murano production, when Italian glass artists were creating revolutionary sculptural forms that departed from traditional functional glassware. The olive green and amber tones were particularly prized during this era, often achieved using precious metal oxides that create these rich, deep colors.
Collectible value and authenticity markers
This piece exhibits authentic Murano craftsmanship characteristics including hand-blown construction, natural variations in form, and the distinctive pontil mark on the base where the glass was separated from the pontil rod. The substantial weight and thick glass construction are hallmarks of genuine Murano production, distinguishing it from lightweight reproductions.
Estimated age: 1950s-1970s based on the color palette, form vocabulary, and construction techniques. This places the piece within the most sought-after period of Murano glass collecting, when legendary factories like Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Cenedese, and Barbini were producing their most innovative work under the direction of renowned artists like Flavio Poli and Archimede Seguso.
Display and care recommendations
Perfect for collectors and interior designers seeking an authentic statement piece. The clear glass base allows for elegant display on shelves, mantels, or in curio cabinets where light can showcase the spectacular color layering. The substantial size makes it ideal as a centerpiece or accent in mid-century modern, contemporary, or eclectic décor settings.
Care instructions: Clean gently with soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or sudden temperature changes. Display away from direct sunlight to preserve color integrity over time.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Height: Approximately 38cm, 15 inches
• Technique: Sommerso (submerged glass layering)
• Colors: Olive green, golden yellow, dark emerald, orange, cream white
• Base: Clear crystal glass pedestal
• Origin: Murano, Italy
• Period: Mid-century modern (1950s-1970s)
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with natural characteristics of hand-blown glass
• Authentication: Exhibits all markers of authentic Murano production