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Murano Sommerso Glass Chalice with Gilt and Floral Enamel Decor

A sky-blue and amber Murano glass chalice with gold gilding and colorful floral enamel decorations sitting on a wooden cutting board.

Estimated value

$25 - $65

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Ceramics & Pottery

Brand

Murano

Era

Circa 1950-1970

Origin

Italy

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
22

MURANO SOMMERSO GLASS CHALICE WITH GILT AND FLORAL ENAMEL DECOR: IDENTIFICATION

A footed glass chalice featuring an amber-toned sommerso base and a sky-blue opaque bowl. The exterior is decorated with polychrome enamel floral motifs and heavy 24k gold leaf gilding (oro zecchino) applied in a band around the rim and at the pedestal junction. The interior of the bowl displays a mirrored metallic gold finish, characteristic of mid-20th century Venetian glassware production.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

Originating in the mid-20th century, specifically circa 1950-1970, this style of glass represents the 'Tre Fuochi' (Three Fires) technique traditional to Murano, Italy. This process requires three separate kiln firings: first to form the glass, second to bake the 24k gold leaf, and third to fuse ...
Originating in the mid-20th century, specifically circa 1950-1970, this style of glass represents the 'Tre Fuochi' (Three Fires) technique traditional to Murano, Italy. This process requires three separate kiln firings: first to form the glass, second to bake the 24k gold leaf, and third to fuse the enamel floral decorations. While companies like Cristalleria Fratelli Toso and various Murano workshops produced similar designs, the specific combination of opaque blue and amber glass was a popular export staple for the Venetian tourist market during the post-WWII economic boom.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Materials and manufacturing techniques (Tre Fuochi) are consistent with mid-20th century Murano glass production
  • Floral enamel patterns match documented export pieces from the 1950s-70s range
How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Decorative Arts Specialist

Silver & Glass Expert

The object displays highly diagnostic characteristics of the Murano 'Tre Fuochi' style, and the construction matches well-documented period examples found in auction records (e.g., Catawiki 2023, eBay Sold Listings 2024).

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Hand-applied 'oro zecchino' (24k gold) borders with typical period wear patterns.
  • 2Raised enamel (morfisa) application in the floral sprigs indicates traditional Murano hand-painting.
  • 3The sommerso (submerged) technique in the base provides a structural counterweight to the opaque bowl.
  • 4Opaque sky-blue 'Lattimo' style glass is chemically consistent with the mid-century Venetian palette.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The interior gilding often shows micro-scratches from cleaning that determine 'mint' versus 'excellent' grade.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Verify base for a 'Murano' or 'Made in Italy' sticker or acid-etched mark.
  • →Inspect the interior gold lining under a bright light for thinning or silvering.
  • →Perform a 'ring' test to ensure no internal stress fractures in the glass stem.

CONDITION & GRADE

Grading breakdown

Condition is evaluated based on the integrity of the fragile gold leaf and the lack of 'flea bites' on the rim; common for this age to show some bottom-wear on the foot, which is not visible here.

Condition

The item appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips to the rim or base; however, 'mint' status requires verification of the interior gilding for any surface abrasions or thinning.

Weight & feel

Estimated weight 150-200g; feels bottom-heavy due to the solid amber glass pedestal base.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$25 - $65

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Single chalices of this type typically sell for $30-$50 on platforms like Etsy and eBay, while full sets with a decanter can reach $250-$400 (Palm Beach Modern Auctions 2022).

Who buys this

Collectors of mid-century Italian glass and enthusiasts of vintage Venetian barware/decorative accessories.

What increases value

  • •Condition of the interior gold lining
  • •Complexity and preservation of the raised enamel flowers
  • •Presence of an original maker's label

What lowers value

  • •Loss of gilding on the rim due to over-cleaning
  • •Small chips (flea bites) on the base or rim
  • •Discoloration of the amber glass base

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Total absence of gold thinning
  • •Vibrant original colors in the enamel with no flaking
  • •Original silver or foil label from a known furnace like Toso or Salviati

Grade & condition

Condition is primarily graded on the integrity of the gold leaf and the lack of surface abrasions on the enamel.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandModerate liquidity
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For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

  • User stated 'Original/Authentic' - visual manufacturing techniques (applied gold leaf and enamel) align with mid-century Murano production standards.
  • User stated 'Mint' - no visible loss to the raised enamel or chips on the flared rim in provided imagery.

FROM THE CABINET OF

CS

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