{"product_id":"murano-aquarium-6889","title":"\"Murano Glass Aquarium\" by Alfredo Barbini","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-tn=\"pdp-item-description-content\" class=\"_dda3618c _e545c517\"\u003eThis impressive Murano glass aquarium sphere by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eAlfredo Barbini\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is a substantial and beautifully executed piece, weighing approximately 6 kg. The large, rounded form encloses a vivid underwater scene, with delicate blue aquatic fronds rising from the base and a variety of colourful fish suspended within the clear glass. Air bubbles are skillfully trapped throughout, enhancing the illusion of movement and depth. The composition is carefully balanced, with darker blue elements at the base grounding the design. Both decorative and sculptural, the piece reflects Barbini’s mastery of Murano glass techniques and his ability to create dynamic, lifelike compositions. Signed to base \u003cem\u003eA Barbini\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-tn=\"pdp-item-description-content\" class=\"_dda3618c _e545c517\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSorry, this item has been sold. If you would like information about similar items please contact us on 07971850405 or make an enquiry via\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"mailto:david@hickmet.com?Subject=Out%20Of%20Stock\" target=\"_top\"\u003eemail here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADDITIONAL INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight:                                      15 cm\u003c\/span\u003e                  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border-top: dotted 1px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth:                                      17 cm\u003c\/span\u003e                  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border-top: dotted 1px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDepth:                                      17 cm\u003c\/span\u003e                  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border-top: dotted 1px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition:                               Excellent Original Condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border-top: dotted 1px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCirca:                                         1970\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border-top: dotted 1px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterials:                                Hand Blown Coloured Glass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border-top: dotted 1px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSKU:                                           6889\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border-top: dotted 1px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"accordion-heading\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABOUT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"61\" data-start=\"42\"\u003eAlfredo Barbini\u003c\/strong\u003e (1912–2007) was one of the most important Murano glass masters of the twentieth century. Born on the island of Murano, Venice, he began working in glass at the age of 13 as an apprentice at the SAIAR Ferro Toso furnace. He later collaborated with leading firms including Zecchin-Martinuzzi and Seguso Vetri d’Arte, where he developed exceptional technical skill and artistic sensitivity. In 1946 he became a partner at Cenedese, creating innovative sculptural and decorative works. In 1950 Barbini founded his own furnace, Vetreria Alfredo Barbini, producing pieces celebrated for their rich colours, heavy forms, and controlled bubbles (bullicante technique). His work ranges from elegant vases to expressive animals and abstract sculptures. Barbini exhibited internationally and received numerous awards, helping establish Murano’s post-war reputation.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 id=\"mainpg\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMurano Glass \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"dd36081f-3046-4a9e-bd1a-bd070daeae4e\" class=\"min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe history of Murano glass is a tale of artistic ingenuity and innovation, rooted in the small Venetian island of Murano, Italy. Dating back to the late 13th century, the glassmaking industry in Murano evolved as a strategic move to protect the city of Venice from the risk of fires caused by glass furnaces. Murano's glass artisans were required to relocate to the island, where they refined their craft in isolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the centuries, Murano glassmakers became masters of their trade, pioneering techniques such as crystalline glass, enameling, and millefiori. The Renaissance period witnessed Murano glass achieving unprecedented levels of sophistication, with intricate designs and vibrant colors becoming hallmarks of the art form. Murano's glass industry continued to flourish through the Baroque and Rococo eras, and its reputation for producing exquisite chandeliers, mirrors, and decorative glassware spread across Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite economic challenges and competition, Murano glass has endured, remaining a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and artistic excellence. Today, Murano glass continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, honoring a legacy that spans over seven centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SOLD ITEMS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47481284657388,"sku":"6889","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2614\/8594\/files\/Ball_Aquarium.jpg?v=1775806936","url":"https:\/\/hickmet.com\/products\/murano-aquarium-6889","provider":"Hickmet Fine Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}