Italian glass artist Flavio Poli’s innovative use of the sommerso technique during the 1950s added a dimension of exquisite beauty and refined elegance to mid-century-era Murano glass design. Today Poli’s vintage table lamps, glass vases, ashtrays and other objects are highly collectible.
Born in Chioggia in 1900, Poli attended the prestigious Istituto d’Arte di Venezia where he trained as a ceramist before turning his attention toward glass art. His career in glass began in 1929 when he worked at the Industrie Vetrerie Artistiche Murano, designing and creating large-scale glass sculptures, urns and bowls.
During the 1930s, Poli was a glass artist for manufacturer Barovier, Seguso and Ferro (later known as Seguso Vetri d’Arte), where he worked alongside pioneering glass master Archimede Seguso. Poli was later appointed artistic director at the Venetian glassworks.
Inspired by Seguso, Poli began to experiment with his own glassblowing techniques. In the 1950s, he helped popularize the decades-old sommerso style, which sees overlapping layers of transparent handblown glass melded through a heating process and immersed in pots of molten colored glass. The style yields a sophisticated and mesmerizing effect — it's as if colored fluids have been trapped inside the layers of clear glass. Poli made use of variations on the technique in many of his pieces, including in designs for vases, bowls, sculptures and more.
Poli’s unparalleled designs and innovative work with the sommerso technique garnered numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He won five Grand Prix awards at the Milan Triennale and was awarded the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1954. Poli’s designs were also presented at the World’s Fair in Brussels and the Venice Biennale in 1958.
Today, Poli’s work can be found in museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Murano Glass Museum in Venice, Museo Boncompagni Ludovisi in Rome and the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia.
Find vintage Flavio Poli decorative objects, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs.
Murano Art Glass Jug by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte ca. 1962
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Murano Art Glass Jug by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte ca. 1962 A Murano art glass jug designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte ca. 1962. Cristallo antico...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
$598Sale Price / item|20% Off
Flavio Poli Sommerso Vase, Faceted Murano Glass, Reddish Violet, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Here is a wonderful Venetian glass vase, made on the island of Murano, near Venice, Italy. Several Murano factories have made sommerso glassware in this faceted style Shipping & Loc...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Wall Sconces, Murano Glass & Brass, Mid-Century Modern
By Flavio Poli
Located in Cerignola, IT
Beautiful pair of Murano glass and chrome-plated brass wall sconces designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Italia. Glass frame in perfect condition and original electrical parts
Brass
Murano Lamp by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli, Archimede Seguso
Located in New York, NY
Chic and stylish Murano table lamp by Flavio Poli for Seguso, imported by Camer Venice New York. Striking black interior with swirling gold fleck thread surround, on faux painted woo...
Art Glass
Mid Century Modern Murano Small Glass Vases by Flavio Poli, 1950's
By Flavio Poli
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely small pair of vintage Italian Murano bud vases, vessels or serving pieces are by Flavio Poli. They have some weight and the colors are a medley of greens, chartreuse and ...
Blown Glass
Large 1960s Murano Glass Sommerso 29cm Single-Stem Vase by Flavio Poli, Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass vase Design: Flavio Poli Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 1970s These original Murano glass vases was produced in the 1970s in Italy. This elegant Italia...
Ceramic
Flavio Poli Vase Murano Glass 1950 Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Flavio Poli.
Murano Glass
XL 2.4kg Murano Glass Sommerso yellow DIAMOND Bowl Flavio Poli, Italy, 1970s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass element xxl Origin: Murano, Italy Design: Flavio Poli Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass bowl element was designed by Flavio Poli and produc...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Large Bowl Centerpiece Murano Glass for Seguso, 1960
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful Flavio Poli bowl centerpiece for Seguso Vetri D'Arte made in the 1960s from the Sommerso collection. This large bowl has eye-catching sunset colors, with pink glass submerg...
Glass
$6,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Flavio Poli Pendant Lamps for Scavo Corroso Italy, 1950s
By Flavio Poli, Scavo Corroso
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare pair of Seguso Vetri d'Arte pendant lamps by Flavio Poli for Scavo Corroso. Italy 1950s. Made out of Alexandrit Glass. One of the metal pieces on t...
Metal
Flavio Poli Bull Murano Glass, 1950, Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Flavio Poli bull Murano glass, 1950, Italy.
Murano Glass
Murano Red and Green "Sommerso" Glass Ashtray or Bowl
By Flavio Poli
Located in Kastrup, DK
Murano "Sommerso" glass ashtray in red and green colors. Design by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Venice, Italy 1960's.
Glass
Mid Century Modern Vintage Soft Blue Yellow Blown Murano Glass Table Lamp Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage table lamp from Murano blown glass in pastel blue and soft orange color by Flavio Poli 1950s Italy. A charming and dreamy table lamp in pastel blue and so...
Blown Glass
Smoked Glass & Chrome Plated Metal 1960s 3-lights pendant by F. Poli for Seguso
By Flavio Poli, Seguso
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Important 3-light pendant lamp with Murano smoked glass shades and chrome plated metal structure made by the Seguso glassworks based on a design by Flavio Poli. Excellent condition...
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Flavio Poli Vase Murano Glass, 1955, Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Flavio Poli vase Murano glass, 1955, Italy.
Murano Glass
Large Seguso Vetri d'Arte Red and Gold Vase by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Sharon, CT
An important, late 1930s large Murano vase (29cm high). 'Sommerso'- a clear glass over a gold leaf, over very Fine bubbles over a deep rich red. As usual, unsigned. Bottom very worn....
Glass
Flavio Poli 'Sea Shell' Sommerso Bowl Seguso Vetri D'Arts, Murano
By Flavio Poli
Located in Sharon, CT
From the 'Sea Shell' series of abstract bowls influenced by natural shell forms, designed by Flavio Poli and executed by Seguso Vetri d'Arts, Murano.
Blown Glass
Seguso “Flavio Poli “ Murano Glass Gold 1950 Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Seguso Centerpiece.
Murano Glass
Seguso “ Flavio Poli” Vase Murano Glass 1955 Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Seguso “Flavio Poli” vase Murano glass 1955 Italy.
Murano Glass
Seguso Flavio Poli Table Lamp Murano Glass Brass Lampshade 1950s italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Outstanding Seguso Flavio Poli Table Lamp
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Red & Yellow, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Murano glass bowl designed by the legendary Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte. Exemplifying the pinnacle of mid-century Venetian glassmaking, this piece showcases Poli’s sign...
Murano Glass
Seguso Flavio Poli Chandelier n 6 light adjustable Glass Metal 1960 italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
ECCEZIONALE LAMPADARIO a sei luci di SEGUSO Autore FLAVIO POLI DEL 1960 PROVENIENTE DA UNA VILLA DI VENEZIA. IM BUONO STATO
Glass
Flavio Poli Pocket Emptier Murano Glass, 1950, Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Flavio Poli pocket Emptier Murano glass, 1950, Italy.
Murano Glass
Space Age Table Lamp by Flavio Poli , Murano Glass. Italy 1970s.
By Flavio Poli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A bold and sculptural Space Age table lamp by Flavio Poli from Italy, circa 1970s. The design features a striking amber Murano glass globe, deeply cut to reveal a glowing inner cavit...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli for Seguso Murano glass vase, large Pulegoso work , gold leaf .
By Flavio Poli, Seguso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a superb Murano vase in Pulegoso glass, one documented in Marc Heiremans book , art work 1932- 1973, this piece seems as early as 1940's .
Murano Glass
$1,072Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Vetri d'Arte Seguso Glass Art by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in bari, IT
Gorgeous submerged glass vase from the 1960s Flavio Poli for Seguso.
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Vase Murano Glass 1955 Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Flavio Poli.
Murano Glass
“Valva” Murano Glass Vase by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Italy, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The “Valva” vase designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso is a refined example of Murano glass artistry, distinguished by its organic, sculptural form and masterful sommerso technique. The...
Murano Glass
Pair of Flavio Poli Murano Italy Sommerso Glass Bulbous Shaped Table Lamps
By Flavio Poli
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
A fantastic pair of bulbous shaped table lamps designed by Flavio Poli and made by Seguso, Murano. Beautiful sommerso technique with green - blue - clear layers of glass. Height ...
Glass
Murano Italy Flavio Poli set of three vases multi colored mid century sommerso
By Flavio Poli
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Set of three Murano glass vases by Flavio Poli fro Seguso. Mid century sommerso technique - multi color as photographed. Faceted sides. Tallest 4.25 inches diameter x 5 inches tall
Art Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Italy Sommerso Glass Double Gourd Shaped Table Lamp
By Flavio Poli
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Rare double gourd table lamp form designed by Flavio Poli and made by Seguso, Murano. Beautiful sommerso technique with yellow - red - bronze layers of glass. Classic table lamp for...
Glass
Murano glass vase by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Uccle, BE
Murano glass vase by Flavio Poli. Saucer-shaped vase in blown glass. Referenced under number 13306 in the Seguso archives The model designed in 1962. In sommerso glass, the gray body...
Blown Glass
Vase Model 3627 In Topazio Oro, Induto By Flavio Poli, Italy 1937
By Flavio Poli
Located in Hellouw, NL
Vase model 3627 in topazio oro,induto. By Flavio Poli for Seguso vetri d'arte.This Murano glass Vase named model 3627 in topazio oro, designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso vetri d'arte,...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Seguso Vase Red, 1960s
By Flavio Poli, Seguso
Located in Munich, DE
Murano vase made in red and clear Murano glass, designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Italy 1960s.
Murano Glass
Italian Glass Murano Table Lamp by Flavio Poli for Seguso
By Seguso, Flavio Poli
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Glass table lamp designed by Flavio Poli and produced by Seguso, 1950s. Biography Designer, businessman, ceramic artist. Born in Chioggia, he attended the Istituto d'Arte di Venezia...
Murano Glass
Murano sommerso glass faceted vase by Flavio Poli , 1970s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Delft, NL
Murano sommerso glass faceted vase by Flavio Poli , 1970s
Glass
Sommerso vase by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-Century Modern glass vase with clear, red, green, and violet blue shades.
Art Glass
Flavio Poli Wall Sconces, Murano Glass & Brass, Mid-Century Modern
By Flavio Poli
Located in Cerignola, IT
Beautiful pair of bi-color, gray and green Murano glass wall sconces and chrome-plated brass designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Italia. Original electrical parts
Brass
$4,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Scrumptious Pair of Flavio Poli Orange Murano Lamps Mid-Century Modern
By Flavio Poli
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Scrumptious pair of Flavio Poli orange Murano lamps. Now the lamps are two different sizes but I absolutely love that about them-they can be used in the same room but on different height tables. This hot citrus orange color is very rare and quite beautiful - I really, really want to keep them!! But we are all about bringing you the most beautiful things...
Brass
Large Flavio Poli Murano glass amber circa 1950 center piece.
By Flavio Poli
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible center piece amber in Murano glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri dArte circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Pair of Wall Lamps in Glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso Italy 1970
By Flavio Poli
Located in Biella, IT
Seguso Italy Flavio Poli design two wall lamp glass years ’70 structure painted and lampshade in glass, perfect condition.
Metal
1960s Flavio Poli Design for Seguso Design Glass Submerged Vase
By Flavio Poli
Located in Biella, IT
Flavio Poli for Seguso design vase glass years 1955 submerged glass vase Perfect condition a, very rare.
Art Glass
Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte, three-light etched glass chandelier from th
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Parma, IT
Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte Murano, rare three-light chandelier from the 1950s. Three blown and etched glass pieces suspended at different heights, with a wooden and brass ce...
Murano Glass
Vintage Set of 3 Wall Lamp Gold Inclusion Seguso Flavio Poli, Italy, 1960
By Flavio Poli
Located in Biella, IT
Seguso Italy Flavio Poli design, one of three wall lamp gold inclusion glass years ’60. Structure brass, in perfect condition A.
Brass
$2,622 / item
Pair of Wall Lamp by Flavio Poli for Seguso, 1950s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Wall Lamp by Flavio Poli for Seguso, 1950s
Metal