Fulvio Bianconi

Acquired by the present owner in 1992

XXVa Biennale d’arte, Venice, 1950 (for the model)

Venini Catalogo Rosso, model no. 4322
"Arte decorativa alla XXV Biennale," Domus 251, October 1950, photograph 14 (for the model)
Marina Barovier, Rosa Barovier Mentasti and Attilia Dorigato, Il Vetro Di Murano Alle Biannali: 1895-1972, Milan, 1995, p. 157, no. 83
Marc Heiremans, 20^th Century Murano Glass, Stuttgart, 1996, p. 84, no. 89
Marc Heiremans, Art Glass from Murano: 1910-1970, Stuttgart, 1993, p. 265, no. 218 (for a related model)
Helmut Ricke and Eva Schmitt, Italian Glass: Murano Milan 1930-1970, Munich, 1997, p. 102, no. 73 and p. 103, no. 74
Anna Venini Diaz de Santillana, Venini: Catalogue Raisonné 1921-1986, Milan, 2000, pp. 218-219, no. 168
Franco Deboni, Venini Glass: Catalogue 1921-2007, Turin, 2007, no. 224

Overall in very good original condition. The vase presents with an intense black and smoked glass color which is accurately shown in the catalogue illustration. The glass with a few small air bubbles and particulate inclusions inherent in the making and not visually distracting. The surfaces with a few light surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling. The proper left of the back side with a very small concentrated area of surface scratches at mid height of the edge of the applied decoration. A beautiful and rare vase with great presence and intensity when viewed in person.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In the early 1950s, Murano glass was significantly influenced by contemporary art movements. Above all progressive glass works such as Venini ventured to include in their production radical designs which were far ahead of their times. Uncomprehended by the public, these series were often short-lived, resulting in a very restrained number of executed pieces.
– Marc Heiremans