Archimede Seguso (1909-1999), one of the great Muranese masters, took
traditional glassmaking techniques to extremes. His introduction of
merletto lacework technique at the Venice Biennale of 1952 turned heads.
His secret for embedding fine lacy threads of glass was never shared.
Rather than apply the filigree to the surface of vessels as was
traditionally done, Seguso floated these delicate wisps of color inside
the glass. Archimede Seguso was also a sculptor. His preference for
solid glass and love of nature resulted in a glass menagerie of
feathered, scaled, and furry creatures. In the late 1950s he debuted
with an array of alabastro figurals mimicking natural white alabaster,
as well as the stone in delicious colors. This book, the first on the
subject written in English, shows the full array of his extraordinary
work in almost 500 full color photos from collections around the world.
With focus on the 1950s and the Venice Biennales, his designs for
decanters, vases, bowls, and animal sculpture from the period are shown
with detailed captions and a price guide. This book also includes a
history, bibliography, index, and illustrated glossary of terms.