Italian Murano Glass, Blue Bottle with Stopper, Medium Size (5627)

Height 37.5cm, width 8cm. Italian Murano Glass Decorative Bottle with Gilding (Tre Fuochi)
This exquisite, deep cobalt blue glass bottle with its original stopper is a wonderful masterpiece of Venetian glass art. Its design is highlighted by a luxurious, wide gold band with a fine, textured (stippled) pattern reminiscent of opulent Byzantine or Moorish architectural motifs. The bottle is hand-decorated with colored glass cabochons—"jewels" in ruby red and sapphire blue. The neck of the bottle and the top of the stopper are covered in rich, smooth gilding.
Murano History and Traditions The history of Venetian glassmaking is legendary, stretching back many centuries. In 1291, the Venetian Republic ordered all glassblowers to relocate to the island of Murano to protect the city from dangerous fires and to keep their unique glass recipes a strictly guarded secret from competitors. For centuries, artisans have fiercely protected and refined their skills, creating luxury items for aristocracy across Europe.
This piece is crafted using the classic and highly sought-after "Tre Fuochi" (Three Fires) technique. This is a complex and labor-intensive process where the item is fired in the kiln three separate times: first to blow and shape the glass, then to affix the rich gold layer at high temperatures, and finally to fuse the colored glass "jewels" and fine enamel details. This entirely hand-crafted process guarantees that each piece is absolutely unique, embodying authentic master traditions.
Condition The bottle and its glass stopper are in excellent antique condition. The gilding has retained its brilliance, and all decorative glass elements are securely in place. Any minor, natural signs of age and handcrafting can be clearly seen in the attached photographs.