Genuine Barbini Murano Glass Art Object

On Offer – Genuine Barbini Murano Glass Object

Signed, numbered, and authenticated by Barbini Studio.

·         This is an exquisite modernist example of an art glass object in very good condition. A simple piece with a lot of style.

·         The piece is perfectly clear single section of glass in a conical shape with the presence of a single bubble in the lower section of the object using the controlled bubble technique (Bullicante).

·         The glass has been polished completely about the exterior and clean and clear throughout.

·         The base (pontil) has been ground flat – there are some very fine scratch marks on the base which do not translate when the object is viewed normally (I.E. placed on a stand).

·         Finally art is a subjective pursuit, please read the information below, assess the images (these were quite difficult to get right given the transparency of the glass), if there are any unanswered questions contact me before bidding – if the object speaks to you then bid and bid often!

·         I am a serious collector of Murano glass, I know a lot but not everything there is to know! The information below is given with the best of my knowledge from research about this item or from viewing it directly (description).

**The Facts**

·         Just above the base is engraved and signed “Barbini Murano for Oggetti”.

·         The base is engraved and numbered “54”.

·         I approached the Barbini Studio in Venice to authenticate this object by sending images via email and received a response confirming its manufacture and origin from their studio. The object does not have a printed official certificate however I would be happy to include a copy of the email correspondence to the final purchaser.

·         Plastic label reading “Barbini murano” dates this object manufacture beyond 1970 as this is the first year of introduction of this type of label. The label appears on the upper part of the conical shape.

·         “Oggetti” means object/s in Italian.

·         Approximate weight of object is 5.5kilograms unpackaged. Massive piece of glass!

·         Approximate dimensions are 40cm in height, 13cm diameter at the base (the largest girth), and 1.5cm diameter at the top (the smallest girth).

·         Shape is conical with a control bubble appearing approximately 8.5cms from the base. The bubble gives an optical illusion of repeating when viewed from above due to the refractive nature of the design. I have tried to show this in one of the images.

·         This is an original. I have not seen one of this shape or design to date in books, the web, in shops or with dealers.

·         I purchased this object from a dealer in the USA who said he acquired it from an estate in Hawaii. I have correspondence supporting this which I would happy to provide to the final purchaser.

·         Barbini was established in 1658. It is currently under the instruction/ direction of Alfredo Barbini.

·         Web link to Barbini - http://www.barbinimurano.com/eng/dove_siamo.html

·         Regrettably this is a reluctant sale - I need the cash (Damn this resession!). I really like this piece as it has suited my modernist tastes and fits in with other geometric designs in my collection from Murano.

**The Assumptions**

·         The number on the base does not necessarily mean #54 of xxx in the context that there was a number of this type of object made. More likely it part of an art collection produced for Oggetti founded by Robert and Nancy Frehling in 1975.

·         Oggetti is an exclusively wholesale import/ export business that when founded exclusively contracted a number of Italian artisans for their affluent clientele market. Oggetti was based originally in Miami (USA). Art glass and unusual objects are their main market to an exclusive clientele.

·         Web link to Oggetti - http://www.oggetti.com/

·         I suspect that the year of production would be in the late 1980’s due to the label type, however this is not confirmed in the guide books that I currently have.

·         If Oggetti were contacted directly this may yield more information about this object. I have not pursued this avenue.

**Postage - Important Information**

I understand that the freight charges for this object may be a deal breaker for some of you - this is due largely to the final package weight and the fragile nature of the object. I would be happy to review other options with the purchaser as you may have access to other frieght alternatives available. I think it is prudent to think about a minimum registered (sign for option) and insurances - this is a one off piece and is not realistically replaceable. Please discuss your proposals with me prior to bidding.

Not with standing the above:

·          International freight of this object is likely to be best handled via UPS or DHL courier services. This will enable tracking and security of travel to the final destination. (I can send this item via our regular Australia Post Service with less control over the process (risk). The cost could still be quite high for international registered parcel.)

·         The final purchaser’s destination address will form the basis of a firm quotation for the postage of this item and will be reflected in the final invoice.

·         International purchasers will take full responsibility for any additional cost due to import duties or tariffs that may be imposed by their respective country. The seller accepts no responsibility for these charges. Please check with your local authorities prior to bidding to understand your own countries conditions of import (usually based on final declared value and the nature of the object).

·         It is my intention to use space foam after the object is initially wrapped so that the foam fills and supports the shape completely within the delivery box. The final weight may be around 14kgs. This is based on the weight when this object was originally sent to me from the US under similar packaging.

·         As a contingency allowance for International purchasers freight rates could be between $300-450 AUD largely dependent on final destination, packaged weight, and final package size. (Australia to New York 10001 for example is approximately $310.00 AUD via UPS via web quote).

·         As a contingency allowance for domestic freight please allow approximately $100-120 AUD for registered Post Platinum Parcel within Australia via Australia Post services.