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.
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition witho...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli for Seguso Murano Sommerso Glass Vases, Set of 3, Italy, 1950s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural set of three Murano glass vases designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Italy, circa 1950. Exemplifying the mastery of the Sommerso (“submerged”) t...
Murano Glass
'Submerged' Glass Table Lamp Rare Flavio Poli Seguso Vetri d'Arte 60's mod.14092
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
An exquisite and rare Murano glass table lamp, designed by the legendary Flavio Poli for the prestigious Seguso Vetri d'Arte furnace, circa late 1960s - early 1970s. Technical and Ae...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Sommerso pink and purple Murano glass tray by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful purple and pink sommerso ashtray or pocket emptier designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso techniqu...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Vase, Seguso Design, Italy, 1960s, 3.93\"
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing vase By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano glass. Made in Italy. The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: diam 3,93 x 9,44 H inches diam 10 cm x 24 H cm
Murano Glass
$416Sale Price|20% Off
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter, Italy, 1960s Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly. Dimension: diam 5,11 x 4,3...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Vase, Sommerso Technique, Green, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s This striking Murano glass vase, designed by the renowned Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte, is a quintessential example of mid-century Italian glassmaking. Showcasing Poli's...
Murano Glass
Sommerso Murano Glass Vase by Flavio Poli for Alessandro Mandruzzato, Italy 60s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Lucija, SI
Large Mid-Century Murano Sommerso Glass Vases Designed by Flavio Poli for Alessandro Mandruzzato in Italy in the 60s
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Table Lighter, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning blue table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly. Dimension: diam 4,33 x ...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Production Seguso Submerged glass vase Design Italy 1950 Mid-Century
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Palermo, IT
FLAVIO POLI. Production Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Design Italy 1950 ca. Vase in colorless, light blue and lilac sommerso glass, drop-shaped body with flat circular mouth. Please watch the...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray, Grey, 1960s, Excellent
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing Grey Ashtray or Catch-All By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimensions: 5,11 diameter x 3,14 H inches cm 13 x...
Murano Glass
Italian Modern Murano Sommerso Glass Vase By Flavio Poli, Italy 70s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Lucija, SI
Rare murano sommerso glass vasse from the 70s era. Designed by Flavio Poli. In excellent condition. Dimensions: H 31 cm D 12 cm Hole 0.8 cm
Murano Glass
Murano Sommerso Green & Amber Geode Art Glass Bowl by Flavio Poli
By Seguso, Flavio Poli
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking Murano Sommerso geode art glass bowl designed by Flavio Poli, featuring his signature color-layering technique that beautifully blends vivid green with warm amber and deep...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso
$902Sale Price|20% Off
Flavio Poli Seguso Murano Sommerso Purple Blue Multi Faceted Bowl
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte multi faceted purple and soft blue Murano glass Sommerso bowl, Italy, 1960s. This hand blown glass bowl is made of purple glass...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Murano Sommerso Glass Vase by Flavio Poli for Alessandro Mandruzzato, Italy 70s
By Alessandro Mandruzzato, Flavio Poli
Located in Lucija, SI
Nice Mid-Century Murano Sommerso Glass Vases Designed by Flavio Poli for Alessandro Mandruzzato in Italy in the 70s
Murano Glass
Red Murano Glass Ashtray by Flavio Poli, 1960s Italian Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing Red Ashtray or Vide Poche Rare By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Glass. It's a sculpture The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 2,36 H inc...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Sommerso Murano Glass Block Bowl, 1960s, By Flavio Poli.
By Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, Cataluna
Mid Century Italian Murano Sommerso Bowl by Flavio Poli For Seguso C.1960 In very good condition commensurate of age. In blue, orange colour. Dimensions: Height 1,5 in ( 4cm) Width ...
Murano Glass
Circular blue Murano glass tray by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful blue sommerso ashtray or pocket emptier designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the sommerso technique (superimp...
Murano Glass
$521Sale Price|20% Off
Green and Amber Sommerso Murano Glass Bowl by F. Poli, Italy, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century bowl or ashtray in Murano "sommerso" green, orange and clear glass. Designed by Flavio Poli and produced in Murano, Italy during the 1960s. In amazing conditi...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
$1,709Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Murano Art Glass Tall Vase by Flavio Poli, 1960s with Original Label
By Mandruzzato, Flavio Poli
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Italian desgn 1960s murano art glass green, yellow and transparent small vase. The presence of the original vintage label is a real rarity. Beautiful Murano glass vase, designed by F...
Art Glass
Set of Three Murano Sommerso Glass Bowls by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Italy, 1950s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and highly collectible set of three vintage Murano glass bowls designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Italy, circa 1950s. These sculptural pieces are exceptiona...
Murano Glass
1.4kg Murano Glass Faceted "diamond" Sommerso Bowl by Flavio Poli, Italy, 1970s
By Alessandro Mandruzzato, Flavio Poli
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass bowl, ashtray element Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass bowl element, ash tray was produced in the 1970s in Murano, Ital...
Murano Glass
$336Sale Price|20% Off
Flavio Poli Bullicante Murano Glass Ashtray, 1960s Italian Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano glass. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 3,93 diameter x 1,96 H inches cm...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Red and Yellow, 1960s Design, Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous red and yellow ashtray or catch-all by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso Glass. Made in Italy It seems a diamond The item is in excellent condition. Dimension...
Murano Glass
Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Flavio Poli Sommerso Orange Italian Art Glass Vase
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso orange to clear Italian art glass ribbed flower bud vase. The piece is documented to the Seguso Vetri d'Arte company. The vase is publish...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
$187Sale Price|25% Off
1960's Flavio Poli ashtray in Murano Sommerso Glass
By Murano Glass Sommerso, Flavio Poli
Located in Bern, CH
1960s stunning cobalt blue ashtray / decorative item. Designed by Flavio Poli in Murano Sommerso Glass. Made in Italy. A unique piece and beautiful shape and colour. Dimensions: Di...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter, Italy, 1960s Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly. Dimension: diam 4,33 x 3,93...
Murano Glass
Murano glass "Fish" vase by Flavio Poli, Murano, Italy, 1970s
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful and rare blue and orange Sommerso vase designed and manufactured by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano in the 1970s. Handcrafted glass using the "sommerso" technique (layerin...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Seguso Murano Sommerso Red, Yellow & Clear Glass Teardrop Tall Vase
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Barcelona, ES
A wonderful Sommerso red and yellow hand blown Murano glass teardrop large vase. Designed by Flavio Poli and manufactured by Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Italy, 1950s. Amazing teardrop shape...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
$304Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Gorgeous Ashtray or Catchall in Bullicante Murano Glass by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano Glass. Made in Italy The item is in prestine excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 1,96 H ...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Large Centerpiece in Murano Emerald and Amber Glass, Italy 1960
By Flavio Poli
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century Murano large centerpiece in mouth-blown sommerso Murano glass in a stunning light emeral and amber color. This elegant and highly sculptural piece was designed...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
1950s Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray or bowl
By Flavio Poli
Located in Palermo, PA
Flavio Poli, the esteemed Italian artist, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to Murano glass, particularly his pioneering work with submerged glass, known as 'sommers...
Murano Glass
Murano green Glass Sommerso Block Cube Ashtray Element Flavio Poli, Italy, 1970s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass ash tray Origin: Murano, Italy Design: Flavio Poli Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass ash tray bowl element was designed by Flavio Poli and ...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase by Flavio Poli, Italy, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green and yellow vase by Flavio Poli in submerged Murano glass. Not easy to find it in these colors. The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 4,33 x 2,36 x 12,20...
Murano Glass
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Flavio Poli Murano Sommerso Glass Ashtray, 1960s, 6.29\" Diameter
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing large ashtray or catch-all By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 6,29 diameter x 3,54 H inches cm 16 x...
Murano Glass
$550Sale Price / item|20% Off
Flavio Poli for Seguso, Red Lighter in Murano Glass, 60's
By Flavio Poli
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Design by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Red Lighter in Murano Glass, 60's, Mint Vintage Condition The lighter in murano glass by Flavio Poli is a luxury piece of Italian design from the 1...
Murano Glass
Rare Murano Uranium Glass Ashtray, Flavio Poli for Seguso, Sommerso Technique
By Flavio Poli
Located in CABA, AR
This is an extraordinary and rare Murano ashtray from the 1960s, a collector's piece distinguished by its bold design and unusual composition. The ashtray is attributed to the renown...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Uranium Glass
$740Sale Price|63% Off
Flavio Poli Seguso purple Murano glass vase with blue yellow insets 20th century
By Flavio Poli, Archimede Seguso
Located in Palermo, IT
Sculptural Murano Jug Shaped Vase in Shades of Pink and Amber glass. Designed by Flavio Poli and manufactured by Seguso Vetri d'Arte. Italy, 1950's. Large size. Vibrant colors in a g...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri D'Arte 1950s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Art Glass Bowl by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri D'Arte 1950s A vintage Murano art glass bowl, designed by Flavio Poli and manufactured by Seguso Vetri D'Arte Murano Venice ci...
Art Glass
Vase in Red and Yellow Sommerso Glass, Flavio Poli for Seguso
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vase in Red and Yellow Sommerso Glass, Flavio Poli for Seguso A vintage art glass vase, designed by Flavio Poli and manufactured by Seguso Vetri D'Arte Murano Venice in the 1950s. T...
Art Glass
Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter by Flavio Poli, Mid-Century Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in Murano sommerso glass by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy. Handcrafted in Italy using the iconic Murano sommerso glass technique, it features a d...
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
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Vase, Mid-Century Modern, 34cm Diameter
By Flavio Poli
Located in CABA, AR
This exquisite Flavio Poli Murano glass vase showcases a stunning blend of blue, turquoise, and burgundy hues, creating a vibrant and dynamic visual experience. The flowing shapes an...
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Seguso Vetri d’Arte, Bean-Shaped Submerged Glass Vase, Murano 1950s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This elegant bean-shaped vase, designed by Flavio Poli (1900–1984) for Seguso Vetri d’Arte around 1950, exemplifies the refined artistry of Murano glassmaking in the mid-20th century...
Murano Glass
Murano Sommerso Red & Amber Organic Art Glass Bowl by Flavio Poli
By Seguso, Flavio Poli
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A vibrant Murano Sommerso art glass bowl attributed to Flavio Poli, featuring a striking red inner core subtly transitioning into warm amber and soft smoke tones. This piece showcase...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso
Sommerso green pocket emptier by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Murano glass Italy 1970
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful sommerso empty pocket or ashtray designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Artisanal glasswork using the sommerso technique (superposition...
Murano Glass
Seguso Flavio Poli Vase Murano Glass, 1950, Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Seguso Flavio Poli vase Murano glass, 1950, Italy.
Murano Glass
Wall sconces designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of 2 wall sconces designed by Flavio Poli for Seguso in the 1960s, chromed brass structure, thick smoked orange glass. Excellent conditions, perfectly working. Born in Venice in...
Brass
$284Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Murano Glass Ashtray or Bowl by Flavio Poli, Faceted Murano Glass
By Flavio Poli
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Mid-Century Murano Glass ashtray or bowl by Flavio Poli - Faceted Murano Glass This is a beautiful Murano glass ashtray or decorative bowl. It is made according to the technique of ...
Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Glass Ashtray by Flavio Poli, Red and Blue, Italy, 1960s Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
Astonishing red and blue ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli in Murano Glass. Made in Italy. It's a sculpture The item is in excellent condition Dimensions: Diameter 5,11" x 3,34" hei...
Murano Glass
Faceted Murano Sommerso Brown, Amber & Clear Block Vase by Flavio Poli, 1960s
By Seguso, Flavio Poli
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A striking faceted Murano Sommerso vase from the 1960s, attributed to Flavio Poli. This elegant piece showcases the masterful Sommerso technique, featuring a deep brown core submerge...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso
Italian Gold and Emerald Green Glass Candlesticks by Flavio Poli for Seguso
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian handblown gold and emerald glass candlesticks by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Italy, circa 1970s.
Blown Glass
Murano Seguso Vetri D'Arte Poli Sommerso Italian Art Glass Squirrel Sculpture
By Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'Arte
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, rare, and cute vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso emerald green Italian art glass squirrel figure / sculpture. Documented to designer Flavio Poli for the Seguso Vetri d'Ar...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Large Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Sommerso Glass Bowl, 1960s
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Sommerso Glass Bowl, 1960s. A very large Murano sommerso art glass bowl. Designed by Flavio Poli or Mario ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Diamond Quilted Italian Art Glass Bird Decanter
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and very rare, vintage large Murano hand blown clear diamond quilted surface, with pink accents, Italian art glass decorative bird decanter. The piece is documented to desi...
Metal
Murano Sommerso Glass Vase by Flavio Poli for Alessandro Mandruzzato, Italy 70s
By Flavio Poli, Alessandro Mandruzzato
Located in Lucija, SI
Murano Sommerso glass vase. Designed by Flavio Poli for Alessandro Mandruzzato.
Murano Glass
Flavio Poli Italian Murano Sommerso Faceted Diamond Vase Mid Century
By Murano Glass Sommerso, Flavio Poli
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning heavy Sommerso vase in purple / yellow by Flavio Poli for Murano. Circa 1960s Beautiful ,elegant and nice clean condition. Diamond shape.
Blown Glass
$597Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sommerso Vase by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Murano, Italy, 1960s
By Flavio Poli, Seguso
Located in Milano, IT
Flavio Poli for Seguso - Sommerso Murano vase - Collectible Glass "Sommerso" is a defining style of Murano glassmaking, easily identified by the layers of different colours making u...
Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass
Sommerso green pocket emptier by Flavio Poli for Seguso Murano glass Italy 1970
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb and rare sommerso empty pocket or ashtray designed and manufactured by flavio poli for seguso in murano in the 1970s. Artisanal glasswork using the sommerso technique (superpo...
Murano Glass
Murano Sommerso Blue Glass Bowl by Flavio Poli for Seguso, Italy, 1960
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli
Located in London, GB
Glass bowl square shape by Flavio Poli for Seguso 1960s in deep blue. The bowls are hand blown, known as Venetian Sommerso, made in Murano, Venice, Italy. The bowls a combination of...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass