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Vintage Red Swirl Sommerso Art Glass Bowl - Premium Mid Century Craftsmanship
This exceptional vintage red swirl art glass bowl represents the pinnacle of mid-century glass artistry, much like the finest branded pieces from renowned makers of the era. The deep red core is masterfully encased using the sommerso technique, where layers of vibrant colored glass are submerged and fused to create stunning depth and movement. Swirls of turquoise blue, emerald green, golden yellow, and warm amber dance across the surface, producing an ever-changing visual experience depending on the light and viewing angle. This is not mass-produced glassware but a hand-crafted decorative object that captures the essence of quality vintage production standards.
From every perspective in the accompanying photographs, the organic form reveals its handmade origins. The slightly irregular triangular opening and gently curved walls give it sculptural presence, while the thick walls provide substantial heft that feels luxurious in the hand. The interior glows with a consistent, rich red that contrasts beautifully with the multicolored exterior. Light passes through the layers to reveal subtle variations and tiny natural inclusions that are hallmarks of authentic blown glass from the period.
Measuring approximately 7 inches wide by 3 inches tall, this bowl offers generous proportions ideal for display or practical use. The flat base features a classic pontil mark, confirming traditional mouth-blown construction rather than machine production. Collectors and decorators alike appreciate these details because they signal genuine mid-century craftsmanship that modern reproductions simply cannot replicate.
Condition Disclosure
This piece is in very good vintage condition overall. Close examination of the photos shows some fine surface scratches on the exterior red areas and base, along with minor scuffs consistent with decades of careful use and admiration. Small white inclusions and natural bubbles are visible in several images; these are typical of hand-blown glass and do not affect structural integrity. There are no chips, cracks, or missing pieces. The colors remain vivid and the glass retains its original luster and depth.
Owning a bowl of this caliber is like possessing a small piece of design history. The sommerso method was perfected by Italian and European artisans in the 1950s and 1960s, and this unsigned example demonstrates the same technical excellence found in signed studio pieces. Its warm, fiery palette makes it a standout accent that elevates any setting, whether placed on a mid-century teak credenza, a modern floating shelf, or as a bold centerpiece on a dining table.
Because it is unsigned, it offers outstanding value compared to marked Murano or similar studio works while delivering comparable visual impact and quality. The substantial weight and thick walls speak to an era when objects were built to last and to be enjoyed for generations. This bowl is ready to become the focal point of your collection or the perfect finishing touch for your retro-inspired interior.
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
Condition: Used
| Brand | Unbranded |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass |
| Color | Red with Blue, Green, Yellow and Amber Swirls |
| Style | Mid-Century Modern |
| Type | Decorative Bowl |
| Era | Mid 20th Century |
Used - Very good — Vintage art glass bowl with typical surface scratches and light wear from age and use. No chips or cracks visible; colors remain vibrant and structure is sound. — Defects: ['Surface scratches on exterior red glass and base', 'Minor scuffs and abrasions from normal use', 'Small white marks and inclusions typical of hand-blown vintage glass']
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.