Collecting Archimede Seguso Murano Glass Trees: A Journey into Vintage Art Glass
- lunasabrina
- Jul 4, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2024
Growing up and throughout my life, trees have always been one of my favourite parts of nature. The majesty and resilience of gymnosperms—commonly known as evergreens like pine trees, spruce, and cedars—have always captivated me. These trees, with their year-round greenery and distinct shapes, hold a special place in my heart. It’s no surprise that when I discovered both Canadian vintage art glass and Murano glass had been crafting variations of evergreens, I was instantly enchanted. My journey into collecting often deepens with a fascination for specific artists, and for Murano glass, that artist is Archimede Seguso.
Archimede Seguso, hereafter referred to as AS, was born in Murano in 1909. Like most Maestros of that time, he began blowing glass at a very young age—only 11 years old (Archimede Seguso Website 2024). According to 20th Century Glass (2024), AS played a pivotal role in the evolution of Murano glass art, founding his own furnace in 1946 after honing his craft with Seguso Vetri d’Art (Seguso VdA). I encourage you to delve into the rich history of AS on the cited websites, as his legacy is both extensive and compelling. This article, however, will focus on the exquisite glass trees crafted by this master of Murano glass, which stand out as my absolute favorites. There is a gold pulveri bowl imaged below which I would like to add to this article to show the versatility of AS.
The first AS tree I encountered was a breathtaking small tree made entirely of alabastro glass. The craftsmanship was so superb that the marble-like appearance of the glass was unmistakable. Alabastro is a type of opaque glass similar to lattimo (milk glass) but distinguished by its slick marbled shine. I have always been drawn to AS's alabastro glass creations; my very first piece was an alabastro duck in a delicate pink hue (see photo below). This particular tree evokes the essence of winter, with a small, round snow clump on its tip and downward-pointing branches. Measuring 6 inches tall and 4 inches wide, it rests on the characteristic AS tree trunk, which is typically thick with a line texture mimicking tree bark and has 5 lobes. The alabastro is a dark shade of blue-green, blending and lightening into white. The piece proudly bears one of the AS stickers under its base.
After acquiring this initial tree, I knew my search had to continue. These pieces are exceptionally rare, and I was eager to discover more of their variations. I wondered, did they all resemble this small tree? As time passed, I stumbled upon a post in a Murano glass group featuring a postcard from the AS furnace. The postcard displayed a dazzling array of glass trees, each unique in color and form. This newfound knowledge reignited my determination to find more. Through friends in Italy, I discovered another tree. Though it had never left Italy, it soon joined my collection. This tree was similar to those on the postcard, with multiple round balls at each tip, this time in red, giving the impression of holiday lights. The tree, adorned with gold flake, sits on a clear trunk, echoing the structure and style of the smaller tree. This piece features both a sticker and an engraved signature on the bottom. It stands 8 3/4 inches tall and 6 inches wide at its base.
This smaller tree, originating from Ravenna, Italy, measures 5.75 inches tall, 5 inches wide at its fullest point, and 3.75 inches wide at the base. Though much smaller than its green counterpart, it shares the same vibrant red balls delicately placed on its tips. The tree’s body is clear but filled with gleaming gold flakes, adding a luxurious and radiant touch. It stands atop the same distinctive trunk design we’ve encountered throughout this collection, tying the series together beautifully.
The next tree in my collection is one of my most cherished pieces. It remains on display all year, free from overt holiday aesthetics. AS collaborated with many during his illustrious career, and one of his notable partnerships was with Tiffany & Co. This successful collaboration was highlighted by an event celebrating his 80th birthday in 1989 (Archimede Seguso Website 2024). This tree, created for Tiffany & Co, gleams in the deepest of pink hues with a clear glass trunk. The largest of the three styles, it stands 10.5 inches tall and 7 inches wide. Its elegant design tapers to a fine point at the top. The base is engraved with “Archimede Seguso Murano For Tiffany Co.”
As time passes, it's inevitable that more of these remarkable pieces will be uncovered. Since the original publication of this article, two additional trees have been discovered. Both are signed by AS and, like the pink tree, were created for Tiffany & Co. One of these trees features gold pulveri throughout its branches and body, resting on the same five-toe base with an elongated clear cristallo trunk. This gold tree is truly captivating and would make a stunning addition to any display, particularly during the festive winter holidays. It stands 10.5 inches tall and is approximately 4.25 inches wide.
The second tree is crafted entirely from cristallo, free of any color, which gives it a dramatic yet elegant allure. The absence of color allows the intricate details of the tree's design to shine through, creating a mesmerizing effect as light dances across its surface. This tree, standing at approximately 9 inches tall and 4.25 inches wide, embodies a timeless sophistication.
Each of these trees not only showcases the extraordinary skill and artistic vision of AS but also adds a touch of natural beauty and elegance to any space. They are a testament to the enduring appeal and versatility of Murano glass, as well as the creative genius of Archimede Seguso. Collecting these pieces has been a journey filled with excitement and discovery, and each tree holds a special story and place in my collection. I encourage you to explore more about AS and his masterpieces, as the journey through his creations is truly rewarding.
The photographs of the gold tree were contributed by Carl Pellechio and the clear tree was provided by Jonathan Tremblay. The rights to publish these photographs have been duly obtained and purchased.
Works cited;
The Art of Murano Glass.” Archimede Seguso, http://www.archimedeseguso.it/the-art-of-murano-glass. Accessed July 3, 2024.
“Archimede Seguso Murano Glass.” 20th Century Glass, http://www.20thcenturyglass.com/glass_encyclopedia/murano_glass/archimedeseguso_glass/. Accessed July 3, 2024.
