Hi Ross,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Venini is one of the most important and prestigious Murano glass houses of the 20th century. It was founded in 1921 on the island of Murano by Paolo Venini and Giacomo Cappellin. It became known for collaborating with major modern designers and architects and helped define modern Italian art glass.

During the mid-20th century (especially 1950s–1970s), many high-end Italian design firms established American showrooms to serve architects, decorators, and department stores. New York was the primary gateway for luxury European design into the U.S. market. Venini was one of these.

This small pitcher exhibits a radial blue/green striped pattern known as "zanfirico", which was a traditional Murano technique that Venini incorporated in many of its designs. It is virtually identical to ones made by Gio Ponti (1891-1979), an Italian architect, designer, artist, and writer who shaped twentieth-century modernism. Active across architecture, furniture, ceramics, glass, and publishing, he championed elegance, lightness, and harmony between craft and industry.

Other Gio Ponti designed pitchers similar to yours can retail for between $2,000 and $3,000, though when they come to auction (the secondary market), they are more likely to sell for prices ranging from $600-1,200.

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

A vintage Venini hand-blown blue and green striped pitcher
attributed to Gio Ponti, made in Murano, mid 20th Century
of circular section, with single clear-glass loop handle and pinched spout, labeled to the underside.
9 inches tall
CONDITION: this pitcher appears to be in good condition; value assumes no chips, repairs or losses.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
Auction value: $ 600-1,200*
$2,000-2,500 recommended asking price if you're hoping to sell this independently
*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