Mandruzzato sommerso glass rectangular vase - Murano, Italy 1950s

Mid-century sommerso rectangular glass vase. Unmarked but attributed to Mandruzzato, made in Murano, Italy circa 1950s.

Lovely collector's item with vibrant sommerso layers of blue and green which blend together to create an ombré effect, encased in clear glass. The rectangular form is elegant and modernist. Thick walls and sturdy weight.

Condition:
In very good vintage condition. Minimal wear but a few minor chips, most noticeable is one upper corner. See photos for details. Doesn't detract from overall beauty of the piece.

Measurements:
16cm tall x 4.5cm wide x 4.5cm deep = approx 6.25" x 1.75" x 1.75"
Rounded square opening approx 3.2cm wide. Thick walls, approx 8mm wide at top edge.

Part of a set of 3 matching vases, as shown in last image.

Mandruzzato was founded in 1956 on the island of Murano, Venice, Italy, by Luigi Mandruzzato. In 1965 Luigi was joined by his son, Gianfranco Mandruzzato, who took over the running of the company two years later. At first the company made glass lighting fixtures, and then began producing ornaments, vases, ashtrays, etc. The firm is now run by Gianfranco's son Alessandro Mandruzzato.

Sommerso is a technique developed on the Italian island of Murano during the late 1930s. It typically has two layers of glass formed by dipping a ‘gather’ of colored glass into another molten glass and then blowing the gather into the desired shape. The result is glass with contrasting colours commonly encased by a clear layer.