Empoli Glass Value & Price Guide

Empoli glass represents a vibrant tradition of Italian glassware originating from the Tuscany region, celebrated for its bold colors and iconic mid-century silhouettes. Ranging from elegant apothecary jars to the legendary 'genie bottles,' these pieces are prized by collectors for their ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern decorative appeal.

Price Range: $85 - $110 based on recent sales

History of Empoli Glass

The history of Empoli glass is rooted in the town of Empoli, located near Florence, which has been a center for glass production since the 14th century. Originally focused on utilitarian green glass known as 'Verde di Empoli' used for wine flasks, the industry underwent a dramatic transformation following World War II. Local artisans shifted their focus toward decorative art glass to meet the demands of the booming export market, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. During the 1950s and 1960s, manufacturers like Rossini, Stelvia, and V.B.E.M. pioneered the tall, slender 'genie bottle' shapes and experimented with a kaleidoscope of colors including amber, peacock blue, and emerald green. This era defined the Empoli aesthetic as we know it today, characterized by a playful yet sophisticated approach to form that captured the spirit of the Space Age and Mid-Century Modern design movements.

Value Factors for Empoli Glass

The typical price range for Empoli Glass is $85 - $110 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity of form, with specialized shapes like cat decanters or textured 'wax drip' bottles commanding higher prices than standard vases.
• Color desirability, where vibrant blues and multi-layered cased glass often outperform common amber or green pieces.
• Condition and completeness, specifically the inclusion of original, undamaged flame or ball stoppers which are frequently lost over time.
• Size and scale, as oversized floor decanters and massive apothecary jars are considered statement pieces that drive significant collector interest.

Tips for Buying Empoli Glass

• Check for the presence of original stoppers, especially on genie bottles, as replacements can significantly decrease the item's market value.
• Examine the base for a 'Made in Italy' mark or sticker, though many authentic pieces remain unsigned and must be identified by their specific shapes and vibrant color palettes.
• Inspect the glass for 'cased' layers, where a colored exterior is fused over a white or clear interior, a technique highly sought after in Empoli production.
• Verify the texture of the glass, looking for signature patterns like the 'wax drip' or 'wave' designs that distinguish rare Empoli variants from generic vintage glass.

Items in This Collection

• Empoli Apothecary Jar
• Empoli Amber Glass Decanter
• Empoli Green Glass Decanter
• Empoli Glass Apothecary Jar
• Empoli Green Glass Vase
• Empoli Genie Bottles
• Empoli Genie Bottle
• Empoli Cased Glass Vase
• Empoli Glass Decanter
• Empoli Glass Vase
• Empoli Cat Decanter
• Empoli Blue Glass Vase
• Italian Empoli Glass Bottle
• Empoli Wave Genie Bottle
• Empoli Wax Drip Genie Bottle
• Empoli Amber Genie Bottle
• Empoli Blue Glass Decanter
• Empoli Glass Genie Bottle
• Empoli Genie Bottle Stopper