Murano Amphora with Applied Spiral “Serpent” Handle signed Stephano Toso. 37cm (14.5″ high approx)
This captivating vase is a premier example of the avant-garde artistry of Stefano Toso. A member of the legendary Toso glassmaking dynasty, Stefano is renowned for his ability to merge ancient, “earth-born” textures with sleek, contemporary movements. This piece represents a dialogue between the historical Scavo tradition and modern sculptural forms.
Footed Amphora with Applied Spiral “Serpent” Handle
Scavo (Excavated/Weathered finish) and Iridescent cold-work
The vase features a classic tapered ovoid body resting on a distinct, circular foot and crowned with a wide, gently flared rim. While the silhouette is rooted in classical Greek pottery, the execution is purely modern.
The Scavo Body: The main vessel is rendered in a pale, ethereal ice-blue glass. The surface has been treated with the scavo technique, creating a matte, chalky patina with earthy, brown-toned “encrustations.” This gives the appearance of an artifact that has been resting beneath the Mediterranean for centuries.
The Iridescent Spiral: Wrapping dynamically around the body is a thick, applied glass “serpent” handle. In stark contrast to the matte body, this element features a deep, metallic finish with a petroleum-slick iridescence. It glows with oil-on-water shades of violet, indigo, and gold, providing a powerful visual anchor that adds movement and energy to the piece.
Stefano Toso’s work often explores the tension between the “raw” and the “refined.” By placing a highly polished, iridescent element against a rough, weathered background, he highlights the transformative power of heat and chemistry. This vase is a testament to the “New Murano” style—taking the techniques perfected by his ancestors and reinterpreting them through a lens of high-contrast minimalism.
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