Lollipop decanter, c.1950's, 28.75in.H x 3.75in.D #3106, $895

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With Empoli glass there is very little documented history to cite, so when I elect to feature an Empoli piece the design itself must be so singularly superior as to make the effort worthwhile. This decanter is just such an instance.

The decanter retains two original labels and though I can't say with any certainty I believe the labels are from the importer/exporter rather than the manufacturer. The first label, square white paper reads "Paul's 362/3659 Italy," then a green with gold lettering oval foil label states "Balboa Venetian Glass Hand Made in Italy." I can tell you that in my years of experience handling cased Empoli, the Balboa label regularly appears on exceptional designs and the best pieces. I am certain there is a great story there waiting to be discovered.

In the meantime I must focus on this very rare shape's uncommon beauty. This dramatic, elongated form has clear precedents in the more unusual and whimsical "Verde" Empoli glass that was produced in the 1920's, yet as with the later 1950's pieces the form is much more minimal and modern. It is a shape that is unabashedly and dramatically Surrealist - it is also utterly impractical; clearly designed to be a sculpture. In fact, fast forward 50 years and look at the work of the renowned Studio Glass artist Dante Marioni; I fail to see a significant difference in form (except perhaps that his works sells for thousands of dollars, see photo below). As with Marioni's work, praised by the Corning Museum of Glass' curator Tina Oldknow in her book on the artist, we have here a classical form that has been dramatically stretched and exaggerated and executed simply in a bold color.