Bud Vase, Murano, Cobalt Blue, Gold Leaf, Murrhines, Balotton, Hand Blown, Vintage Italy 1970s

Three Murano techniques in one small vase — and each one earns its place.

• Maker: Unknown
• Materials: Hand-blown glass, gold leaf, murrhine inserts
• Dimensions: 3" tall × approx. 3" diameter at widest point
• Origin: Murano, Italy 
• Era: Vintage, 1970s (estimated)
• Condition: Excellent — no chips or damage. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.

Hand-blown in cobalt blue glass, this compact vase combines gold leaf, murrhine glass inserts, and the Balotton technique — an all-over diamond embossing that gives the surface a faceted, tactile quality entirely unlike smooth glass. The combination of deep cobalt, warm gold, and the scattered color of the murrhines makes this one of those pieces that looks different in every light. From the estate of a Murano glass collector. One available.

On a windowsill, a vanity, a bookshelf — as a bud vase or simply as an object. A lovely gift for a Murano enthusiast or anyone who appreciates Italian glass craft at its most intricate.

Balotton (sometimes called "balloton") is a Murano surface technique where the still-molten glass is pressed into a ribbed mold, creating an all-over pattern of small raised diamonds or facets. Combined here with murrhines — thin cross-sections of layered colored glass canes, a technique dating back to ancient Rome — and gold leaf fused beneath the surface, this small vase is a genuine showcase of Murano's layered decorative traditions in miniature.

Browse our shop for more vintage Murano glass and art glass bud vases to round out your collection.