Rare Fratelli Toso Murano Glass Bowl - Mid-Century Modern - Lattimo with Copper Aventurine

A stunning example of mid-century Italian artistry! This vintage Murano glass bowl, likely designed by Fratelli Toso, features a mesmerizing lattimo (milky white) ground infused with sparkling copper aventurine flecks. The bowl's organic, freeform shape showcases the beauty of hand-blown glass.

While the original label is no longer present (common for vintage Murano), this design has been documented by others as being by the renowned Fratelli Toso. This bowl measures approximately 8" x 7.5" x 2.5" and is in very good vintage condition, with only a few minor, hard-to-photograph blemishes typical of pre-owned Murano glass. Please see photos and video for details.

Essential Information for Buyers of Vintage Glass: Understanding Our Approach to Vintage Glass

We strive to provide accurate descriptions and attributions for all our vintage glass pieces. We base our identifications on extensive research, experience, and careful comparison with documented examples. However, with vintage glass, especially Murano, definitive attribution can be challenging due to the frequent lack of signatures or labels.

Authenticity and Attribution: Most vintage Murano glass, especially pieces in accessible price ranges, is not signed or labeled. Identifying marks or original labels are relatively uncommon.

We use terms like "attributed to," "possibly," "in the style of," or "likely" to express our level of certainty regarding the origin or maker of a piece. These terms reflect our assessment based on stylistic similarities, material characteristics, and known examples.

When we state "attributed to," we have a high degree of confidence based on our research, but cannot offer absolute proof without a signature, label, or definitive documentation.

When we state "assumed" or "likely" to be by a particular artist or from a specific region, this indicates that, based on our research, we are fairly certain but do not have 100% confirmation due to lack of documentation.

"In the style of" signifies that the piece shares characteristics with a known artist or region, but could also be the work of another maker inspired by that style.
We encourage buyers to familiarize themselves with the nuances of vintage glass identification and to ask questions before purchasing.

Condition of Vintage Glass: Please understand that vintage glassware often exhibits signs of age and use, such as minor scratches, scuffs, or wear on the base. These characteristics are considered normal and contribute to the unique charm of vintage items.

We meticulously inspect each piece and will always disclose any significant flaws in the description and photos. We are happy to provide additional images upon request.

Variations in glass thickness, especially in handmade or sculptural pieces, are common and not considered defects.

Color Representation: Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on your monitor settings and lighting conditions. The background color can affect how the color of glass appears. Glass may look different on dark surfaces than on light surfaces.

Measurements: All dimensions provided are approximate and typically represent the largest measurements (height, width, depth) of the piece.

II. Understanding Vintage Murano Glass

"Murano" is a Location, Not a Brand: Murano is an island near Venice, Italy, renowned for its rich history of glassmaking. It is home to numerous glass studios and factories, both past and present.

Characteristics of Vintage Murano Glass:

Weight and Thickness: Vintage Murano glass can vary greatly in weight, thickness, and size. Some pieces are heavy and substantial, while others are delicate and thin. These variations are natural parts of the glassblowing process.
Inclusions: Small imperfections, such as tiny bubbles or particles of ash, are common in hand-blown glass and are not considered flaws. These are often referred to as "inclusions."

Signatures and Labels: Most vintage Murano glass available to the public is unsigned and unlabeled. Signed pieces or those with original labels are less common and often command higher prices.

Pontil Marks: The pontil mark is where the glassblower's rod was attached to the piece during creation. Pontil marks on Murano glass can vary: they may be polished smooth, left rough, or be slightly raised or indented. The appearance of the pontil mark is not always a reliable indicator of origin.

Unpolished Bases: Some Murano pieces have unpolished or partially polished bases. This was sometimes done to avoid potential damage during the polishing process.

Indicators of Non-Murano Glass: An extremely rough base that is also very foggy (as though the bottom of the piece had been scrubbed with very course sandpaper) may indicate that the piece is not from Murano.

III. Our Commitment

We are passionate about vintage glass and dedicated to providing accurate information to our customers. We encourage you to reach out with any questions before making a purchase. We are always happy to provide further details and assist you in making an informed decision.