Couture Glass: "Gianni Versace by Archimede Seguso" Murano Vase, circa 1990

A superb example of late-20th-century design collaboration, this Murano blown glass footed vase embodies the creative fusion between legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace and master Venetian glassmaker Archimede Seguso.

Produced around 1990, the piece features a low, rounded body that rises to a narrow waisted neck and a gently flared rim. Its richly animated surface showcases vibrant multicolored "leaf" inclusions in bold red, blue, yellow, and green, entwined with delicate white lattimo (milk glass) filigree resembling vines or webs. Set against an opaque black ground and encased in thick, clear crystal, the decoration achieves remarkable visual depth and radiance.

Measurements:
Height: 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)

Markings:
The underside is hand-engraved "Gianni Versace by Archimede Seguso Murano." The vase also retains its original circular gold-foil label bearing Versace's iconic Medusa head emblem.

Condition:
Excellent vintage condition; no chips, cracks, or restorations.

Historical Context
Haute Couture Meets Murano
In the early 1990s, Gianni Versace extended his bold, theatrical aesthetic beyond fashion into luxury home decor. His collaboration with Archimede Seguso merged the opulent Versace style with centuries-old Murano craftsmanship, yielding a collection of highly collectible functional artworks.

The Master of the Masters
Archimede Seguso applied his technical mastery to realize Versace's avant-garde vision, employing refined Murano traditions such as lattimo and filigrana (fine threadlike glasswork) to achieve intricate patterns and structure.

Classical Inspirations
Versace's deep admiration for Greco-Roman art and mythology-rooted in his Calabrian upbringing-shaped the classical silhouettes and mythological motifs that characterize this series.

The Collaborators

Gianni Versace (1946-1997): A fashion icon celebrated for vibrant color, luxury, and audacious design, Versace sought to expand his signature aesthetic into high-end interiors and decorative art.

Archimede Seguso (1909-1999): Revered as one of the foremost Murano maestros of the 20th century, Seguso combined traditional glassblowing methods with a distinctly modern sensibility.

Aesthetic and Technique
These vases, bowls, and sculptural centerpieces embody Versace's flair for dramatic contrast-opaque black grounds punctuated by dazzling color, delicate latticework, and occasional gilt embellishment. Seguso employed sophisticated techniques, including somerso (layered glass), lattimo, and pasta vitrea opaca (opaque glass paste), to bring each piece vividly to life.

Rarity
Produced in limited quantities before the deaths of both Versace and Seguso in the late 1990s, pieces from this collaboration remain scarce and highly sought after today.

(Ref: NY11045-mnrx)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Excellent condition

Origin:
Italy

Creator:
Brand: Versace; Artist: Archimede Seguso; Designer: Versace

Materials & Techniques:
Blown Glass

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: Italy

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Excellent condition