Murano Tortoiseshell Glass Votive Holder-Italy (ca.1960's)

1960-1970 Murano Tortoiseshell Glass Holder For A Votive with Embossed Signature From Murano, Italy-Unknown Furnace and maker and I do not know which of the seven islands: Isola dei Conventi, San Donato, Navagero, San Pietro, San Stefano, Sacca Serenella and or Mattia.
Yes I know....I said Murano. As in....yes, from the Islands of Murano, Italy. I know there is some misleading listings on what is Murano Glass, Venetian Glass, Italian Glass, and Murano-Style Glass.
Let me give what I know to be true and you can decide on your own.
Glasses it could be:
MURANO GLASS- Hand blown glass from a furnace made and located in the islands of Murano, Italy.
The area has been the center of glass making for centuries and is still home to over 100 glass factories.
VENETIAN GLASS- Slang name for Murano Glass but referring to glass from Venice, Italy....no one knew where Murano Islands were. The islands are next to Venice which was recognized globally so when promoting the craftsmanship of Murano Glass, it deemed easier for enthusiasts to geographically refer to the more known Venice.
ITALIAN GLASS-Any glass (factory or hand-blown) manufactured in the country of Italy.
MURANO STYLE GLASS-Glassware that can be made anywhere (other than Murano, Italy) by any glass maker using a lower standard of techniques to have the appearance of the appearance of authentic Murano glass. Examples include surface color paint, not hand blown, perfect mold edges, etc.
Why I am listing this as Murano?
MemoryLaneVintiques has been collecting Murano Glass for roughly 6 years now. We actually have a 1940's Flavio Polio Of Segusa Scavo Amphora in our collection as well as a personal contact at the Segusa Furnace in Murano, Italy. Not claiming to be an expert, but have trusted research tools to help authenticate.
This votive is not marked with an artist stamp, artist name signature or an engraved symbol. Not all Murano glass makers did this, in fact they were not concerned about counterfeiting til around 1985.
The glass makers of Murano would have "signature designed flaws" in their glass that would become known as their brand identification as well noticeable if copied.
THE FOUR MURANO COMMON THREADS FOR AUTHENTICATION:
Does it have "proportion" and "measurement" imperfections in the shape? YES suggesting hand blown
Does it have hand blown bubbles in glass? YES
Does it have a pontil mark or punt mark left from freehand glass blowing? YES
Does it use more than one color of glass? (invented in Murano) YES-Tortoiseshell Pattern
Tortoiseshell Art Glass is using two layers of glass, a dark glass and a lighter glass. The dark glass is arranged in spots to resemble the shell of a tortoise or turtle.
The original and first patent for Tortoiseshell Glass Art was on October 25, 1880 in London by Francis Pohl and S A Whitman but made in Germany throughout 1880's.
****Tortoiseshell design was popular in the 19th century when items were made with the shell of the
Hawksbill. Thanks to the creation of Tortoiseshell pattern glass, bakelite, and plastic...the Hawksbill escaped extinction and around 8,000 are still alive in the world today.
Also noticed the glass etching done on the outside body and bottom. This created the embossed dark spots and even left designed etching scribbles around each embossed spotted area. This could have been mold etching and/or acid etching but does not look accidental....gives the texture of an actual tortoise shell. I believe this to be the signature of the Murano artist but, could not find another to compare. **Murano made glass items are usually "Custom" and "Solely" made. I found one close to it in but not embossed.
All that being said this is an amazing decoration to say the least. True glassmaking craftmanship!!!
What is a Votive? A votive is a type candle or prayer candle. Often small, typically white or beeswax yellow, intended to be burnt as a votive offering in an act of Christian prayer, especially within the Anglican, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic Christian denominations, among others.
Any information needed or giving please message the shop.
Weighs 14.3 oz
Height 3 5/8"
Top Diameter 5"
Bottom Diameter 3"

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