Fenicio Goblet with Swans and Initial "S" Stem

About this artwork

The glassmakers of Murano offered collectors a literal alphabet of forms, colors, and patterns. This goblet builds on historical fancy-stem designs with playful swans, delicate bows, and a candy-cane-striped letter "S." Its most eye-catching element is the patterned bowl, in which filigree stripes have been lightly hand-brushed to produce an irregular, feathery pattern, a technique named fenicio (Phoenician). The abundance of features ensured that such vessels were one-of-a-kind treasures.