Design

/

Lot 88
  • 88

FULVIO BIANCONI | Rare 'Sirena' Vase, model no. 4201

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
  • Rare 'Sirena' Vase, model no. 4201
  • with acid stamp venini / murano / MADE IN ITALY
  • blown iridised glass with trailed fenicio decoration in lattimo glass
  • 31 cm (12  1/8  in.)
  • circa 1950

Provenance

Private collection, United Kingdom
Thence by descent

Literature

Marc Heiremans, Art Glass from Murano 1910-1970, Stuttgart, 1993, p. 270, fig. 223
Franco Deboni, VENINI GLASS: Its history, artists and techniques, Volume I, Turin, 2007, n.p. for a drawing of the model in the Venini 'Red' catalogue
Franco Deboni, VENINI GLASS: Catalogue 1921-2007, Volume II, Turin, 2007, pl. 193
Marino Barovier, ed., FULVIO BIANCONI AT VENINI, exh. cat., Le Stanze del Vetro, San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice, 2015, p. 16 for a sketch from the Venini 'Black' notebook, p. 25 possibly illustrates the present lot, pp. 130, 144, 156

Condition

Overall in very good condition. When viewed in person, the vase has a vibrant and luminous iridescence throughout the body and the colour is a deeper, richer golden brown. The glass with minor scattered air bubbles and particulate inclusions inherent in production. The surfaces with minor scattered fine scratches, the two largest to the lower proper left side with measuring approximately 1.5cm each. The rear lower proper right with a minor scuff just above the fenicio pattern, running vertically, which measures approximately 6 mm. None of the above are visually disruptive and consistnent with age and gentle handling. A superp example of this rare design.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Fulvio Bianconi’s designs for Venini are today recognised as some of the greatest examples of 20th century post-war glass. A highly skilled illustrator and graphic designer, Bianconi’s innovative use of rich colour and expressive forms, translated to glass, were rightly described as ‘chromatic fantasies’ when exhibited at the 25th Biennale d’Arte of Venice in 1950. Not one to shy away from challenging the traditional aspects of glass making, Bianconi readily pushed his fantastical works into the realm of abstraction, from which the present model was no doubt conceived. It is one of four known ‘Sirena’ models each which vary in their form. Variants of the 'Sirena' models were exhibited at the important ‘Italy at Work’ travelling exhibition in the United States between 1950 and 1953, cementing the designer’s international reputation.