Italian Round Amber Murano Glass Catch-all, 1980s

Murano, 1980s. The “sommerso” glass of the island’s master glassmakers plays on layered colour, giving the glass its depth and cloud-like effect. This round catch-all is a dense, enveloping version of it. The body, in thick glass blown from the mass, draws a ring of soft curves around a shallow central well. Amber glass, from honey to olive green, is wrapped in a slightly milky clear casing that softens the contours, and the mass is shot through with brown clouds and trails that evoke smoke. On the well, small silvery inclusions and thick, dark, very graphic swirls catch the light. The base retains the pontil mark, a sign of handwork. Very good condition: the glass is intact, free of chips or cracks, the colour layers are well preserved and the surface remains glossy. A piece with very lively material. At 14.5 cm in diameter by 6 cm high, this catch-all sits on a desk, console or coffee table, for keys, jewellery or change, or simply as a glass object to look at. A sculptural, warm piece, between jewel and everyday object.