Barbini Glass Identification Guide + Gallery
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Alfredo Barbini began learning the art of glass making in 1912, aged ten, at Abate Zanetti, the design school attached to the Murano Glass museum. He then went on to work for Ferro Toso, Cristalleria Murano, Zecchin-Martinuzzi, Seguso Vetri'dArte and Vetri Artistici Muranesi Societa Anonima. In 1946 he became a partner at Cenedese, and then began Barbini Glassworks in 1950. Some financial assistance for setting up the factory was provided by Salviati. In exchange, Barbini supplied Salviati with some of the glassware they produced. This explains why some known Barbini designs can be found with Salviati labels. Barbini has become renowned for his heavy, thick sculptural forms which have won him many awards. In 1952 Alfredo's daugher Oceania Barbini-Moretti joined the glassworks and is now the company's sales manager. His son Flavio became a designer for the firm in 1968.
Sources: 20th Century Factory Glass by Lesley Jackson.
See also: Barbini Glass Catalogues
Buy Barbini Glass Products in our Online Glass Store
A creamy white Murano glass "circus tent" bowl with gold leaf inclusions and copper aventurine stripes. Made by Barbini.
A creamy white Murano glass "circus tent" bowl with gold leaf inclusions and orangey red stripes. Made by Barbini.
A pink Murano glass "circus tent" bowl with gold leaf inclusions and creamy white stripes. Made by Barbini.
An amber and white glass geode bowl. Most likely made by Barbini, similar labelled examples online.
A bright yellow and creamy white Murano glass Mexican hat bowl with gold leaf inclusions and bullicante bubble effect. Probably made by Barbini.
A blue and white Murano glass bowl with gold leaf inclusions and bullicante bubble effect. Made by Barbini.
A red and black Murano glass bowl with gold leaf inclusions and bullicante bubble effect. Made by Barbini.
A red and black Murano glass bowl with gold leaf inclusions and bullicante bubble effect. Made by Barbini.
A red, amber and white Murano glass ashtray bowl. Probably made by Barbini.
A purple, amber and white Murano glass ashtray bowl. Probably made by Barbini.
A green, amber and white Murano glass ashtray bowl. Probably made by Barbini.
A green, amber and white Murano glass ashtray bowl. Probably made by Barbini.
An orangey red and white Murano glass ashtray bowl with gold leaf inclusions. Made by Barbini.
A pink and white Murano glass ashtray bowl with gold leaf inclusions. Made by Barbini.
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References
For more information on Barbini glass, check out the following resources:
Books
ITALIAN GLASS (Schiffer Book for Collectors with Price Guide) | ISBN 978-0764319297
20th Century Factory Glass | ISBN 978-1857322675
Websites
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