Private Collection, London
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Overall in very good condition. The glass with air bubbles and minute particulate inclusions inherent in the making, not visually detractive. The glass surfaces with light surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling. A very nice example with delicate decoration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present lot represents a moment of creative and innovative collaboration between its two designers, characterized by the inlay of mezza filigrana fragments (remnants of a broken mezza filigrana vase).  In this instance, the mezza filigrana fragments were first cut into leaf or feather shapes before being inlaid into the vase's body. This experiment was later reworked by Seguso in his famous "Piume" series that was first presented in 1956.

The skills and inventiveness, especially of Archimede, were determinant in the development of new techniques.  While a designer creates forms, master blowers invent techniques on the spot.

In the following years (from 1939), a number of innovative techniques, such as the piton d'oro, the Traliccio and the Pulegoso con finestre rubino, were developed.  However, due to their utterly complex execution, which depended entirely on the skills of their inventor, Archimede Seguso, it would never become commercialized.

—Marc Heiremans