Mid-20th Century Modern Italian Frosted Murano Glass Decorative Scavo Bowl by Alfredo Barbini

Mid-20th century Modern italian frosted Murano glass decorative scavo bowl by Alfredo Barbini

By: Alfredo Barbini
Material: glass, Murano glass, art glass
Technique: glazed, unglazed, cast, frosted
Dimensions: 4 in x 2 in
Date: mid-20th century, circa 1960
Style: Mid-Century Modern, Space Age, Post-Modern
Place of origin: Italy

Alfredo Barbini was a renowned Murano glass artist born in 1912 to a family of accomplished glassblowers and beadmakers. Utilizing his mastery of traditional venetian glass techniques, Barbini became one of the leading Murano glassmakers of the 20th century.

This frosted celeste blue bowl exemplifies his skill in scavo glass, a method involving the application of substances that produce an antiqued, weathered aesthetic when fused at high temperatures. The bowl’s undulating cobalt blue and brown abstract pattern mimics the veining seen in archaeological glass. The signature ‘Barbini Murano’ stamp confirms its origins.

Barbini’s scavo mastery transforms this mid-20th century bowl into a striking, modernist decorative piece that pays homage to Murano’s rich glassmaking heritage.