Venetian, Murano ‘Iridato ‘ glass vase, signed by Sergio Rossi 20.5 cm (8″ )high approx(IPP)
This spectacular Iridato vase is a flamboyant showcase of the technical prowess of Sergio Rossi. A master of the Murano tradition, Rossi is celebrated for his ability to layer disparate glassmaking techniques into a single, high-energy composition. This piece is an exuberant display of color, movement, and light-refracting surfaces.
Scalloped Amphora with Sculptural Ribbing with Fenicio (Festooned threading), Iridato (Iridescent coating), and Applied Sculptural “Fins”
The vase features a complex, architectural silhouette characterized by a cinched waist, a broad scalloped shoulder, and a flared, undulating rim. The form itself feels alive, as if the glass were still moving through the heat of the furnace.
The Fenicio Motif: The body is decorated with a stunning “Festooned” or combed pattern. Threads of vibrant crimson red have been applied to a base of milky, opalescent glass and then “combed” into rhythmic, wavy peaks. This ancient technique creates a hypnotic, marble-like effect that wraps the entire vessel.
The interior of the vase is lined with a deep, dark glass—likely a rich amethyst or midnight blue—which provides a heavy visual base and makes the exterior colours pop.
The entire exterior has been treated with an iridescent coating (iridato). This metallic salts treatment gives the glass a “gasoline-slick” or peacock-feather shimmer, casting reflections of gold, green, and violet across the red waves.Applied “Fins”: Flanking the sides are thick, dark iridescent glass applications. These sculptural “fins” or handles are pulled into smooth, organic points, adding a sense of futuristic drama to the otherwise classical fenicio pattern.
Sergio Rossi’s work often pushes the boundaries of the “Baroque” style within modern glassmaking. This vase is a maximalist masterpiece; it refuses to choose between pattern and texture, instead blending them into a cohesive whole. It represents the “Post-Modern” era of Murano glass, where historical techniques like the Fenicio (which dates back to the Egyptians) are reimagined with 20th-century metallic finishes and aggressive, sculptural forms.
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