Vintage Alfredo Barbini Attributed Murano Biomorphic Shell Bowl. Original BD Label. c.1965 to 1975

A beautiful and highly collectible vintage Murano art glass biomorphic shell bowl, attributed to the renowned Murano master Alfredo Barbini, retaining its original BD Murano export label.

This elegant sculptural bowl is hand-blown in thick cased Murano glass with a warm amber interior, a white lattimo middle layer and a delicate pink-opaline exterior. The softly folded shell form and heavy polished base are classic features of Barbini’s celebrated biomorphic designs from the 1960s and 1970s.

Extensive research places this bowl within the documented opaque cased biomorphic production family associated with Alfredo Barbini. Identical design families are illustrated in Barbini catalogues and are known from labelled Barbini examples. The same range was also supplied to Salviati, explaining why identical designs are found with either Barbini or Salviati labels. The original BD label on this bowl is recognised by collectors as an export label found on documented Murano production from this period, including designs attributed to Barbini. (20th Century Glass)

Details

Attributed to Alfredo Barbini
Murano, Italy
Circa 1965–1975
Original BD Murano foil label
Hand-blown opaque cased Murano glass
Amber, white lattimo and pink-opaline colourway
Sculptural biomorphic shell form
Heavy polished base
Excellent vintage condition with only light shelf wear consistent with age

This is a substantial, high-quality example of Mid-Century Murano studio glass and would make an excellent addition to any collection of Barbini, Murano, Italian art glass or Mid-Century Modern design.

Research references

20th Century Glass – Barbini Identification Guide:
https://www.20thcenturyglass.com/glass_encyclopedia/murano_glass/barbini_glass/

Collection welcome, or I can pack and post securely at the buyer’s expense.