Murano Faceted Neodymium Sommerso Glass Block Vase

Description

Here is a wonderful Venetian glass vase, made on the island of Murano, near Venice, Italy. This style of glassware is usually attributed to Mandruzzato, although other manufacturers have made similar items, including Oball, Campanella and Nason. In a stunning combination of smoky grey glass cased in a band of lilac / blue glass, which is further encased in an angular block of clear glass, using the renowned Venetian sommerso technique. The middle layer is made in very unusual neodymium glass (also known as alexandrite glass), which changes colour according to different lighting conditions. The vase appears lilac in natural sunlight or yellow artificial light, and smoky blue in fluorescent/white light (see pictures). This is due to the presence of neodymium oxide (Nd²O³) in the glass.

Size

Measures approx 6 inches tall by 2 inches in diameter at widest point.

Condition

Excellent condition, no chips or cracks, just a few small surface scratches to one side.