Vase in black glass with inclusions of silver leaf, and handles and rims in streaked beige pasta vitrea

Golf leaf was first used at the end of the 15th century to embellish the glass surfaces of vases and bowls. Carlo Scarpa resumed using the technique at the start of the 1930s to aesthetic results of amazing fineness, occasionally employing silver leaf instead for a stunning contrast with black glass. Designer Gio Ponti argued that the quality of Scarpa's work was superior to current Murano production, and described Scarpa’s wares as subtle plays of colour distinguished by a careful combination of brightness, lively-hued pasta vitrea, and forms of classic purity.

Bibliography

Mille anni di arte del vetro a Venezia, Albrizzi, Venice 1982, page 265, no. 524; Marina Barovier (editor), Carlo Scarpa. I vetri di Murano 1927-1947, Il cardo, Venice 1991, page 54, no. 7; Marino Barovier (edited by), Carlo Scarpa. Glass of an Architect, Skira, Milan 1999, pages 77, 197 no. 76.