Murano “Scavo” Glass Vase

A Venetian or Murano glass vase in the shape of a classical wide-mouthed amphora and in executed in the “scavo” technique. Based on the form and playful use of contrasting colored glass, I think this can be safely attributed to the Moretti factory.

Translating to “dug up,” the technique – a mid-20th century invention – imitates the appearance of a mineralized  archeological surface. And while developed and introduced by Alfredo Barbini and the Cenedese factory, by the late 1960s (and into the early 1980s) several of the Murano factories were practicing the technique.

Blown, translucent green glass with applied opaque black glass handles and encircling decorations.

Circa 1980, unsigned.