Mid-Century Italian Glass Vase by Vetreria Barbieri Vb, 1970s

An orange, red and white marbled glass glass vase in the style of a jug, made in the region of Empoli, near Florence, Italy, by the Vetreria Barbieri glassworks. These items can be found bearing labels which read "V.B. opaline Florence, made in Italy". This vintage item has no defects, but it may show slight traces of use. Height 33 cm. Diameter 17 cm.

The glassware items in this section are often found with labels that read "V.B. Opaline Florence, Made in Italy". The initials VB are now thought to stand for Vetreria Barbieri, a factory in or close to the town of Empoli, Italy, that produced glassware during the 1970's and early 1980's. "Opaline Florence" refers to the type of glass (opaline glass made in Florence). The style of label most commonly found on Vetreria Barbieri glass, was also used by other factories from the same area, as the labels were produced by the same label printing company, using the same template and changing the initials of the factory. This information about labels and factory initials comes from the facebook group Murano Glass/Italian Art Glass, Empoli, for GLGD, in particular a very helpful lady, whose family has been involved in Empoli glass production since the 1950's. Identification is made using labelled examples, as well as matching patterns and known shapes. The marbled pattern in particular, is often wrongly identified as Carlo Moretti, a Murano factory (also Italian) that made glassware in a similar pattern. However, when comparing the two styles, it should become clear which factory they originate from.