Sommerso Murano Ashtray by Flavio Poli and Alessandro Mandruzzato for Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Italy, 1960s

Italian glass artist Flavio Poli (1900-1980) is praised for his contribution to the development of Murano glass , championing a new style during the 1950s known as Sommerso, or submerged glass.

Poli was born in 1900 in Chioggia and was trained as a ceramist at the Istituto d'Arte di Venezia. In 1929, Poli began working as a glass artist at the IVAM (Industrie Vetraie Artistiche Murano) glass factory, where he designed large scale sculptures, animals, Novecento-style nude figures, bowls and urns in glass.

In 1934, Poli began working as a glass artist for the firm Barovier, Seguso, & Ferro (later known as Seguso Vetri d’Arte) in Murano. Within three years, he was made a partner and appointed Artistic Director of the company.

During his time at Seguso, Poli designed alongside Archimede Seguso (1909-1999) creating complex Murano Glass lighting installations. During the 1950s, the height of Polio’s career, he devised a style of 'submerged' glass, a technique made by overlapping different layers of glass, with diverse consistencies and colors. His series of hand-blown Sommerso glass pieces was awarded the Compasso d'Oro prize in 1954. Over the course of his career, he won five Grand Prix awards at the Milan Triennials, in 1936 for the glass panels Lo Zodiaco and La Mescita, and also in 1940, 1951, 1957 and 1960. His designs were also presented in various editions of Venice’s Biennale exhibition, as well as in the World Fair held in Brussels.

Poli left Seguso in 1963, and between 1964 and 1966, he led the artistic glass division at the Società Veneziana di Conterie e Cristallerie.

Poli passed away in 1984 in Venice. Many of Poli’s pieces can be found in museums around the world including in the Murano Glass Museum, the Museo Boncompagni Ludovisi in Rome, the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia, and the MoMA in New York. 

Our History and Identity 1295 Murano was born as an artisan workshop whose soul and reason for existing lie in Murano blown glass. Since its founding, the brand has aimed to enhance the ancient glassmaking traditions of the island, treasuring the millennia-old techniques passed down from generation to generation: murrina, sommerso, gold leaf, balloton, engraved glass, and other traditional methods are our cultural heritage. The History of Murano as Inspiration The island of Murano is world-famous for its artistic glass, thanks to its furnaces, which were moved there in 1291 by order of the Venetian Doge, with the dual purpose of preventing fires in the city and protecting the secrets of glassmaking. Over time, Murano became a forge of mastery, beauty, and artisanal innovation. The glassmaking art that has evolved over centuries is combined in our work with passion, to bring to life creations that are not merely objects, but living testaments to a cultural heritage. What We Do – Our Mission We create unique pieces and collections of handmade Murano glass, intended both for art lovers and for high-end interiors. Each piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Origin, and Guarantee, ensuring that customers know they own a truly handcrafted, Made in Murano object. The company also offers custom-made services: if a client has an idea or a personalized project, 1295 Murano takes care of bringing it to life with the craftsmanship and attention of a master glassmaker. Collections and Style Some of the lines that define 1295 Murano: Eternal Glass: refined shapes, often a nod to Venetian vintage design reinterpreted in a modern key. Murrine Veneziane: pieces featuring iconic Murano murrine, handcrafted. Blossom: soft, sinuous lines and delicate colors that evoke gentleness. Anima: the most exclusive collection, consisting of unique or limited-edition pieces that incorporate ancient techniques and high craftsmanship. Why Choose Us Tradition + Innovation: we work with historic techniques while remaining attentive to contemporary design. Guaranteed Authenticity: each piece is entirely made in Murano, with noble materials and fine finishes. Customization: we can create bespoke works, tailored to specific needs. Recognizable Made in Italy: the pride of bringing authentic Murano glass creations to the world.