Sommerso Glass Vase Value Guide

This striking amethyst Sommerso glass vase represents a pinnacle of Mid-Century Modern Italian craftsmanship from the 1950-1970 era. Utilizing the 'submerged' technique popularized by Flavio Poli, it features distinct layers of color and internal controlled bubbles that create a sophisticated three-dimensional effect.

What affects the value of Sommerso Glass Vase?

• The presence of internal controlled bubbles adds a premium over standard smooth Sommerso pieces.
• Attribution to specific designers like Flavio Poli or makers like Seguso Vetri d'Arte significantly increases market value.
• Condition is critical; chips, 'flea bites' on the rim, or internal clouding will reduce the $175 valuation.
• The vibrancy and depth of the amethyst pigment compared to the clarity of the outer glass layers.

How to Identify Sommerso Glass Vase?

• Look for the signature 'submerged' effect where the amethyst core appears suspended within clear glass layers without color bleeding.
• Examine the base for a polished pontil mark, which indicates the piece was hand-blown rather than mold-made.
• Verify the presence of uniform, intentional 'bullicante' or controlled bubbles trapped within the glass layers.
• Check for the weight and clarity characteristic of high-quality Murano lead glass from the mid-20th century.

History of Sommerso Glass Vase

Sommerso glass, meaning 'submerged' in Italian, is a technique developed in Murano, Italy, in the 1930s. It involves layering different colors of glass, typically transparent and opaque, to create a captivating effect of one color appearing to be submerged within another. This technique was popularized by designers like Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte and Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan, becoming a hallmark of Mid-Century Modern glass art.