Mid-Century Bullicante Murano Glass Ball Table Lamps from Seguso, Italy 1950s, Set of 2

Magnificent pair of Murano "bullicante" glass ball table lamps completed by an off-white fabric lampshade. These elegant and rare lamps were designed by a Murano master artist, Archimede Seguso, in Italy during the 1950s. The way the crystal Murano glass was designed is breathtaking, with vertical deep stripes of "bullicante", and it will amplify lighting like a prism. The “bullicante” effect is amongst the most famous glass making techniques. The lamps are in amazing condition with no chips or cracks. They come wired and tested, compatible with both US and EU/UK standards, they use a single E14 light bulb. The effect on the glass when lit is simply spectacular. These charming and versatile lamp is perfect to complement a mid-century modern or a Deco project. Dimension (cm): Diameter - 14 Height - 23 The "bullicante" technique allows producing glass pieces with small air bubbles trapped in the inside. This peculiar effect is obtained by placing a piece of molten glass inside a metallic mould with spikes, very much resembling a pineapple’s texture. These spikes cause small holes on the surface creating a pattern all around the glass piece. After it’s been left to cool down for a few moments, the whole piece is submerged in molten glass again. This second layer completely covers the first one. However, thanks to the thick consistency of glass, the holes previously impressed on the first layer are not covered, thus causing air to be trapped between both layers of glass. This technique gives not only a sense of depth to the whole object but also an incomparable decorative effect, famous for its originality. Archimede Seguso was an Italian glass manufacturer known for his intricate glass vases, necklaces, and sculptures. Spanning a wide range of forms and colors, his subject matter included animals and abstract shapes. Born in 1909 in Murano, Italy, he was part of an illustrious legacy of Italian glassmakers, their ancestry spanning over six centuries to the 14th century. Seguso notably led a revival of ancient Venetian glass-making techniques, specifically filigrana, which produced lattice-like patterns. Seguso ran the family business Seguso Vetri d'Arte, from 1937-1942. The artist died in 1999 in his hometown of Murano, Italy. The Seguso Company continues to produce glass, with works included in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.