Posted 5 years ago
artfoot
(367 items)
Empoli, southwest of Florence in the Tuscany region, is Italy's other major glass making center. Glass has been manufactured there for as long as it has been in Venice - since the 15th century - but the focus in Empoli had always been more utilitarian. Due to the high iron content of the local sand supply, Empoli glass had a distinct green color. That all changed after World War II. Glass houses added color to their repertoire of dramatic shapes in response to the new demand for post-war modernism.
Not that I needed more stuff but these three pieces have come home with me in the past few months.
The large urn stands 11½" (29.2 cm) tall with the lid in place with a widest diameter of 8½" (21.5 cm). Standing on a clear stem, the transparent body transitions from gray to blue to amber. The lid is entirely amber.
The tall apothecary jar stands 17" (43 cm) tall.
The diamond optic goblet stands 12¼" (31 cm) tall. It bears a generic "Made in Italy" label.
What don't you know about, Harry?!
I think that Empoli glass often doesn't get recognised for how good it is.
These are all beautifully designed pieces, the shapes are so elegant. I have never seen and Empoli piece with colour transition like that covered jar. It's very special!
Thanks Karen, and I agree that the multicolored piece is rather unusual.
If you've got the room, Empoli glass can really make for some impressive displays.
This site offers some beautiful pictures along their interesting commentary on the glass of Empoli - http://cultureobject.com/exhib-venetian-influence.htm
Thanks all for the loves.