Vase

Art Historical Context

This elegant vase, crafted by Antonio Salviati the late 19th century, exemplifies revival of Venetian glassmaking during Murano's golden era. Salviati, a pivotal figure in the Salviati & Co., helped elevate Murano glass from traditional craftsmanship to internationally acclaimed art, blending ancient techniques with innovative aesthetics suited to Victorian and emerging Art Nouveau tastes. Standing at 203 cm tall, this piece from the Robert Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art opalescent bluish-white glass with striking marbled multicolored brownish patterns—bold and strong on the exterior, subtler and faintly bluish within. The vase was created using blown glass techniques, where molten glass is inflated into shape, followed by trailing, in which thin threads of colored glass are applied and manipulated to form the intricate marbling. This nonlead soda glass, typical of Murano production, allowed for the iridescent opalescence that shifts mesmerizingly with light, evoking the shimmer of sea foam or misty horizons. Such effects highlighted glassmakers' mastery over color and texture, making pieces like this highly sought after by collectors. Part of the prestigious Robert Lehman Collection (acquired in 1975), the vase reflects the cultural bridge between Italy's glass heritage and global luxury markets, underscoring Salviati's role in preserving and modernizing a centuries-old craft. Visitors will appreciate its tactile beauty up close, a testament to the artistry that turned functional vessels into sculptural treasures.

About the Artist

Antonio Salviati · 1816–1890

Italian, 1816–1890