Italian Empoli Optic Glass Apothecary Jar in Cranberry, c.1960s
Standing at a commanding 51cm tall, this apothecary jar is a spectacular example of mid-century Italian design. The piece features a vibrant cranberry pink bowl with subtle vertical optic ribbing, perched elegantly on a clear, hand-blown stem and finished with a crystal ball finial.
The scale of this piece is monumental for art glass, making it an ideal architectural focal point for a sideboard, dining table, or lighted niche. It captures the light beautifully, shifting from deep magenta to bright cranberry depending on the time of day.
Hailing from the Empoli region of Tuscany, this piece represents the region's Golden Age of glass export. While often overshadowed by its Venetian counterpart, Murano, Empoli has a glassmaking lineage dating back to the 1500s, originally famous for its Verde (green) utilitarian glass.
In the post-war boom of the 1950s and 60s, Empoli artisans pivoted to meet the demand for Modernist aesthetics in the US, UK, and Australia. They began producing decorative vessels in brilliant, saturated colours — like this cranberry example — which became staples of high-end department stores and styling magazines of the era.
Excellent vintage condition.
The glass retains its original clarity and lustre. We have inspected the piece closely and found no chips, cracks, clouding, or notable wear.
Origin: Empoli, Italy (Tuscany Region)
Period: 1960s
Style: Mid-Century Modern / Hollywood Regency
Colour: Cranberry / Amethyst Pink & Clear Crystal
Dimensions: 51cm (20") Height
Standing at a commanding 51cm tall, this apothecary jar is a spectacular example of mid-century Italian design. The piece features a vibrant cranberry pink bowl with subtle vertical optic ribbing, perched elegantly on a clear, hand-blown stem and finished with a crystal ball finial.
The scale of this piece is monumental for art glass, making it an ideal architectural focal point for a sideboard, dining table, or lighted niche. It captures the light beautifully, shifting from deep magenta to bright cranberry depending on the time of day.
Hailing from the Empoli region of Tuscany, this piece represents the region's Golden Age of glass export. While often overshadowed by its Venetian counterpart, Murano, Empoli has a glassmaking lineage dating back to the 1500s, originally famous for its Verde (green) utilitarian glass.
In the post-war boom of the 1950s and 60s, Empoli artisans pivoted to meet the demand for Modernist aesthetics in the US, UK, and Australia. They began producing decorative vessels in brilliant, saturated colours — like this cranberry example — which became staples of high-end department stores and styling magazines of the era.
Excellent vintage condition.
The glass retains its original clarity and lustre. We have inspected the piece closely and found no chips, cracks, clouding, or notable wear.
Origin: Empoli, Italy (Tuscany Region)
Period: 1960s
Style: Mid-Century Modern / Hollywood Regency
Colour: Cranberry / Amethyst Pink & Clear Crystal
Dimensions: 51cm (20") Height
Original: $272.26
-70%$272.26
$81.68Description
Standing at a commanding 51cm tall, this apothecary jar is a spectacular example of mid-century Italian design. The piece features a vibrant cranberry pink bowl with subtle vertical optic ribbing, perched elegantly on a clear, hand-blown stem and finished with a crystal ball finial.
The scale of this piece is monumental for art glass, making it an ideal architectural focal point for a sideboard, dining table, or lighted niche. It captures the light beautifully, shifting from deep magenta to bright cranberry depending on the time of day.
Hailing from the Empoli region of Tuscany, this piece represents the region's Golden Age of glass export. While often overshadowed by its Venetian counterpart, Murano, Empoli has a glassmaking lineage dating back to the 1500s, originally famous for its Verde (green) utilitarian glass.
In the post-war boom of the 1950s and 60s, Empoli artisans pivoted to meet the demand for Modernist aesthetics in the US, UK, and Australia. They began producing decorative vessels in brilliant, saturated colours — like this cranberry example — which became staples of high-end department stores and styling magazines of the era.
Excellent vintage condition.
The glass retains its original clarity and lustre. We have inspected the piece closely and found no chips, cracks, clouding, or notable wear.
Origin: Empoli, Italy (Tuscany Region)
Period: 1960s
Style: Mid-Century Modern / Hollywood Regency
Colour: Cranberry / Amethyst Pink & Clear Crystal
Dimensions: 51cm (20") Height
