Empoli Cased Glass Bottle or Gulvase, Style of Michael Bang 'Sakura' 1970s

Australian-Portuguese glass artist Julio Santos was an expert in his craft. This decanter is a lovely example of his work. Signed 'J. Santos' to the base ...

An unusually large example of San Marino tourist pottery with 'Smalto Roccia' or 'Lava' glaze. The brightly colored blue panel illustrates a Mediterran...

The set of three different Empoli vases with a hobnail pattern showcases the charm and craftsmanship of mid-century Italian glassmaking. Empoli is a region in Tuscany, Italy, renowned for its long tradition of producing high-quality glassware. Each vase in the set boasts a distinctive hobnail pattern, which consists of small, rounded, and raised glass beads covering the surface in a regular and decorative arrangement. This textured pattern adds a delightful tactile element to the vases, enhancing their visual appeal. The vases are made using the cased glass technique, where several layers of different colored glass are fused together. In this case each vase consists of three layers, translucent outer and inner layer in red, violet and ochre and an opaque white middle layer. This process creates a mesmerizing depth of color, as the light interacts with the multiple glass layers. The set includes three vases of varying heights and shapes, offering a dynamic and versatile display. The mid-century design aesthetic prevalent in this era is likely reflected in the vases' sleek and elegant silhouettes. The colors chosen for the vases, including red, violet, and ochre, are evocative of the warm and vibrant hues commonly associated with mid-century decor. These colors not only add a touch of nostalgia but also create a bold and captivating visual impact. Empoli glassware...

Empoli, as a municipality itself, is approx 30kms (45 mins) slightly south-west of Florence, in the region of Tuscany, Italy. It’s the somewhat forgotten region of the country when i...