Multicoloured millefiori murrine vase by Fratelli Toso, Murano, early 20th century.

Very beautiful murrine glass vase, made by Vetreria Fratelli Toso in the early 20th century. The vase is crafted with multicoloured polychrome millefiori murrines and features two handles. An authentic example of Murano glass art from the early 20th century that will enhance any art glass collection. This item was part of a large collection of Fratelli Toso glass comprising over 600 pieces, gathered since the 1970s. Fratelli Toso was one of the leading manufacturers of artistic glass in Murano in the 20th century. In the early 1900s, the company began producing pieces using the murrine technique. Murrine and millefiori glass remained one of Fratelli Toso's major areas of focus. In 1912, a very successful series of art glass inspired by the Liberty style, designed by Hans Stoltenberg Lerche, was presented at the Venice Biennale. From 1936, Ermanno Toso became the artistic director and elevated millefiori glass to a new level. The Stellato and Cattedrale vases in murrine, created between 1948 and 1964 by the artist Pollio Perelda, were also a great success. In the 1960s and 1970s, Renato Giusto and Rosanna Toso designed modern series in cristallo glass for Fratelli Toso. The company closed its doors in 1982. Bibliographic reference. Marc Heiremanns, Fratelli Toso Murano 1902-1980, Stuttgart 2018. Leslie Pina, Fratelli Toso 1854-1980, Atgen 2004. Rossela Junck, Murrine e Millefiori in Murano Glass from 1830 to 1930, Venice 1999.