Hi Faustina,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Paolo Venini (12 January 1895– 22 July 1959) emerged as one of the leading figures in the production of Murano glass and an important contributor to twentieth century Italian design. He is known for having founded the eponymous Venini & C. glassworks.

After serving in the Royal Italian Army in World War I, he trained as a lawyer and began his practice in Milan. He soon developed an acquaintance with Giacomo Cappellin, a native of Venice who owned a Milan antiques shop.

In 1921 Venini and Cappellin opened a glass factory called Vetri Soffiati Muranesi Cappellin Venini & C. on the islands of Murano, the historic glass production centre in the lagoon of Venice, Italy. With Luigi Ceresa and Emilio Hochs as investors, they arranged to purchase the recently closed Murano glass factory of Andrea Rioda, hire the former firm's glassblowers, and retain Rioda himself to serve as technical director of the venture.

Following disputes between the founders, Cappellin withdrew from the firm in 1925 and opened a competing business, which hired most of Venini's master glassblowers. Venini reorganized with new glassblowers, first as Vetro Soffiati Muranesi Venini & C. (V.S.M. Venini & C.), and later simply Venini & C., ultimately becoming one of the most well known Murano glassworks.

Following Venini's death in 1959, the company continued for over twenty years under the management of other family members and was then sold in 1985. In 1997 Società Venini S.p.A. was acquired by Royal Scandinavia group.

The swirl decoration on this decanter and bowl are characteristic of Venini's production, which has been extensive; these are not considered rare and similar bowls typically sell at auction for between $200 and $300 while decanters are a bit more: $250-350.

Offered together at auction, these would bring a slight premium for the group: $500-700. It's worth noting that the secondary (auction) market is softer than the primary (retail) market, where prices for these - particularly if purchased direct from the studios in Murano - would likely be priced considerably higher.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

Two vintage Murano Venini blue and green swirl decorated decanter and bowl
mid-late 20th Century
Both of circular section, the decanter with globular decanter and swelling form; both signed indistinctly underneath.
Decanter: 16 inches tall
Bowl: 4 inches tall, 8 inches diameter
CONDITION: These appear to be in good condition; value assumes no chips, breaks, repairs or losses.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$ 500-700 for the two together*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia