Masterworks 
25 May 2017
Masterworks 
57

Archimede Seguso

Zig Zag vase

Vetreria Archimede Seguso
Italy, 1951
glass with sections of lattimo canes and gold leaf 6½ h × 6¾ dia in (17 × 17 cm)
estimate: $50,000–70,000
result: $81,250
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provenance: Important Private Collection
literature: Art Glass by Archimede Seguso, Franzoi, pg. 80 illustrates similar example Murano: Glass from the Olnick Spanu Collection, Olnick and Spanu, pl. 156 illustrates series

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Zig Zag Vase

An Icon of Italian Post-War Design

One of the most rare and visually powerful of Seguso’s creations, this vase has become an icon of Italian post-war design. As with much of his best work, the Zig Zag vase possesses a deeply satisfying combination of high design and masterful technique. Composed of alternating red and white Lattimo cane sections encased in layers of clear glass dusted with fine gold leaf, this superior level of craftsmanship makes the Zig Zag vase a tour-de-force. It is also interesting to note that every known version of this model exhibits variation in scale and density of patterning, making each piece unique.

A Zig Zag vase illustrated in the Archimede Seguso Archive

Masterworks of Archimede Seguso

Selected from an important private collection, this work is among a group of vessels created by designer and master blower Archimede Seguso and representing some of his most significant work from the 1950s. 

While major auctions of Italian Glass usually include one or two examples of Seguso’s work, this is the first time a diverse and truly impressive group of masterworks are being presented in one sale. To that end, this is a rare opportunity to view a cross-section of Seguso’s best work executed at the height of his powers. It is our hope that in the present context, the depth and power of this historically significant material can be better understood and appreciated.

Archimede Seguso 1909–1999

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During his long life Archimede Seguso worked in many of Murano’s most important glasshouses, but he would ultimately become famous for establishing and operating his own.

At a young age Seguso became an apprentice at the Vetreria Artistica Barovier where his father was a partner. In 1933 he became a founding member and principal master blower of the Barovier Seguso Ferro firm, which would become Seguso Vetri d’Arte in 1937. Here he collaborated extensively with the young designer Flavio Poli and earned a reputation as one of the greatest master blowers on the island.

In 1946 he established his own workshop, Veteria Archimede Seguso, where he served as both designer and master blower, personally executing almost every piece produced there for more than 40 years. During this time he developed many innovative glass designs that employed complex ancient techniques, such as Filigrana and successfully re-imagined them to suit post-war tastes.

Auction Results Archimede Seguso

Archimede Seguso

A Piume vase

estimate: $35,000–45,000

result: $106,250

Archimede Seguso

Merletto vase

estimate: $30,000–50,000

result: $57,500

Archimede Seguso

Merletto bowl

estimate: $9,000–12,000

result: $52,500

Archimede Seguso

rare Merletto vase

estimate: $20,000–30,000

result: $45,000

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