Italian Vase in White and Brown – Carlo Moretti for Opalin Florence

This stunning jug-shaped vase is a refined example of Italian mid-century glass design, created in the 1970s by celebrated Venetian designer Carlo Moretti and produced by the Opalin Florence glassworks. Hand-blown from white opaline glass, the vase features delicate brown inclusions that gently diffuse within the body, creating a soft marbled effect reminiscent of natural stone or swirling smoke. Its gracefully curved silhouette is completed by a transparent glass handle, skillfully applied to echo traditional jug forms while adding a touch of airy elegance. The juxtaposition of milky white and earthy tones speaks to Moretti’s signature balance of innovation and simplicity, rooted in Murano glassmaking tradition but with a distinctly modern sensibility. Each handmade piece from this period reflects the artisanal precision and creativity that characterized Italian decorative arts in the postwar decades. Elegant in form and rich in material expression, this vase functions equally well as a sculptural object or a refined vessel for display. A rare and collectible work from one of Italy’s most admired designers, it embodies the timeless quality and artistic depth of 1970s Italian studio glass.

Carlo Moretti (1934–2008) was an acclaimed Italian designer and co-founder of the eponymous glass studio established in 1958 on the island of Murano, Venice—world-famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Trained in architecture, Moretti brought a modern, minimalist sensibility to Venetian glass, combining rigorous form with subtle chromatic effects and exceptional craftsmanship. His work stood out for its balance between artisanal technique and contemporary design, often experimenting with asymmetry, color gradients, and translucent layering. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Moretti became one of the leading voices in mid-century Italian glass, helping to redefine Murano’s identity in the context of modern art and international design. Carlo Moretti’s creations remain highly collectible and are featured in major design museums and private collections around the world, like the MoMA in New York and the Victoria; Albert Museum in London, prized for their elegance, purity of form, and timeless artistic vision.

Opalin Florence was a smaller Italian glass manufacturer active in the mid-20th century, known for its artisanal production of opaline glass objects. Based in Tuscany, Opalin Florence collaborated with notable designers of the era and produced limited series of handmade decorative items, appreciated for their craftsmanship and elegance.

Product details:

• Overall dimensions: 9" x 5 7/8"

• Technique: Hand-blown white opaline glass with brown inclusions

• Origin: Italy (Opalin Florence)

• Date: 1970s

• Signature: Unsigned