MONUMENTAL Murano Alabastro | Opalino | Sommerso Glass Shell | Bowl | Centerpiece by FORMIA (Not Seguso)
Founded in 1962, Formia was a relative newcomer amongst some of the century+ old Murano firms, and because a great deal of its production piggybacked off the popular designs of other successful factories, there is quite a bit of glass out there masquerading (or being misrepresented) as Segusos and Fratelli Tosos and Barbinis that was in fact was produced by Formia. This GARGANTUAN alabastro glass shell is the perfect example. Pretty much every time you see this awesome piece, it's being attributed to Archimede Seguso amidst near-universal amazement that such a large 50-year old mid-century piece could survive in such pristine condition. (Ironically, Leslie Pina attributes this piece in two different publications to two different makers--Fratelli Toso and Seguso). Well, our beauty has vast amounts of that sublime pink and white alabastro we can't get enough of, and it is in pristine condition, and the workmanship certainly approaches that of the best-known Murano firms, but it's probably more like 20 years old rather than 50+. And it was made by Formia. (I've swiped a photo of the same piece in crystal to store an example of a model that still has its original label since they seem to be disappearing...)
Formia glass has become increasingly collectible over the last half century in part due to its very popular original "Birds of Paradise" production in 1984, and the very recent demise of the firm (apparently, it built a massive glass edifice for Saudi Arabia and became insolvent when the Kingdom didn't pay up) won't hurt. (The furnace has already been reorganized under a different name...)
PS. This would make extremely special gift-- it would go beautifully in a female "boudoir" and is perfect for holding washclothes, towels, etc. This special piece belongs OUT in the open (not stored in a cabinet on display) where you can use it every day—on the kitchen countertop to hold fruit; on a vanity for your brushes, make-up, etc.; on top of your dresser or night table to hold the personal items you need on hand the next day.
Spectacular Murano glass pieces like this console make the PERFECT gift! They’re pretty much one of a kind, so no one else will ever saunter into the party with the same item. And while expensive new crystal (you know, those typical boring wedding gifts) depreciate the minute they’re removed from the box, high quality famous maker (like Fratelli Toso) mid-century Murano glass becomes scarcer by the moment—they’re a gift and an investment at the same time.
Check out the rest of our supersized spectacular Murano centerpieces here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GLASSpheme?ref=hdr_shop_menu&search_query=murano+centerpiece
With GLASSpheme’s ridiculously large selection, you’ll find the perfect piece for your décor—or your special person.
Dimensions: 15ʺ wide × 10ʺ deep × 9ʺ tall
Condition: Perfect
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Frequently Asked Questions
Custom and personalized orders
GLASSpheme loves custom orders! But how do we 'customize' vintage glass? Simple. We love glass and we love our customers--and there are many ways we can help!
1) Volume discounts: Let's say there are several pieces you MUST have. Let me know, and I'll send you our very best price for the lot.
2) Custom displays: Say you have a special place in your home that SCREAMS for a glass display. Send me a photo of the space, your budget, and the accent colors for your room, and we'll send you photographs of possible groupings and our special pricing for the lot.
3) Tell us what groupings you have in mind, and we'll photograph them together for you so you can see how they'll look together.
Gift wrapping and packaging
What could be better than giving a gorgeous piece of vintage glass as a gift? (Aside from getting one, that is.) Glass is beautiful and functional--mostly! Consider a super mod biomorphic bowl or cased glass jar for a vanity or dresser, a platter/centerpiece for fruit on a countertop, or a vase for cut flowers. Not only does vintage glass bring exquisite delight to the most mundane of household functions (you should see our soap dishes), but our beauties increase in value over time. Send us a note telling us your purchase is a gift, and we will send it along with your personalized gift card, colorful tissue paper and a bow. (You alone will receive the receipt by email.)
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GLASSpheme ships your purchase on the very next business day, but we're flexible too! If you're going away on vacation or have a special date you'd like your gift to arrive, send us a note, and we'll time our shipping for you!
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Do you purchase collections?
We sure do, all the time! Simply send us a photograph of the pieces you wish to sell and we'll make you our best offer! If you accept it, all you have to do is send us an invoice through Paypal, and ship it to us, if local pick-up isn't possible.