Alessandro Mandruzzato Murano Sommerso Red Faceted Glass Bowl Ashtray

Indulge in the timeless elegance of authentic Murano glass with this striking Alessandro Mandruzzato faceted ashtray bowl. Handcrafted on the famed island of Murano, Italy, this sculptural piece showcases the celebrated Sommerso technique, where rich layers of coloured glass appear to float within crystal-clear glass, creating depth, brilliance and luxurious visual impact.

This exquisite vintage bowl features a bold, vibrant red core encased in clear glass, cut into crisp geometric facets that catch and reflect the light from every angle. The result is a jewel-like object that works beautifully as a functional ashtray, a sculptural bowl, or a standalone display piece in a refined interior.

Key Features

• Designer / Maker: Alessandro Mandruzzato
• Origin: Murano, Italy – authentic Murano art glass
• Technique: Sommerso (submerged glass) with faceted cutting
• Colour: Deep red core encased in clear glass
• Form: Heavy, faceted bowl / ashtray
• Dimensions (approx.): 17 cm x 15 cm
• Material: High-quality Murano art glass
• Condition: Good vintage condition with some very minor chips as shown in the photos

Design & Aesthetic

This Mandruzzato ashtray bowl is a classic example of mid-century Murano design: bold, architectural and luxurious. The sharply cut facets give the piece a gem-like quality, creating a play of reflections and refractions that change with the light and viewing angle. The intense red Sommerso interior adds depth and drama, making the bowl a striking focal point on a coffee table, sideboard, console or desk.

Whether used as an ashtray, a decorative bowl for small objects, or simply as a sculptural accent, this piece brings sophistication and character to both contemporary and traditional interiors. Its strong lines and saturated colour make it especially suited to modernist, mid-century, minimalist and luxury design schemes.

Craftsmanship & Authenticity

Alessandro Mandruzzato is renowned for his mastery of cold-working and faceting, transforming solid blocks of Murano glass into multi-faceted, jewel-like objects. Each piece is individually worked, cut and polished by hand, reflecting the long-standing Venetian tradition of glassmaking excellence.

The Sommerso technique, developed and refined in Murano, involves layering coloured glass within clear glass while still molten, then shaping and finishing the piece to highlight the inner colour. In this bowl, the deep red core appears suspended within the clear outer layer, enhanced by the precise angular cuts that reveal and magnify the colour from different perspectives.

Condition

This vintage Murano glass ashtray bowl is in good overall condition. There are some very minor chips present, as clearly shown in the photographs. These are consistent with age and careful use and do not detract from the overall beauty, presence or display quality of the piece. Please study all images as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask for additional photos or details if required.

Styling & Use

• Use as a luxurious ashtray in a dedicated smoking area or cigar lounge.
• Display as a sculptural centrepiece on a coffee table or sideboard.
• Style on a bookshelf or in a glass cabinet alongside other Murano or mid-century art glass.
• Employ as a decorative bowl for keys, jewellery or small objects in an entrance hall or dressing room.
• Pair with other Sommerso and faceted glass pieces for a curated, gallery-like display.

Ideal For

• Collectors of Murano glass and Mandruzzato designs
• Lovers of mid-century modern and Italian design
• Interior designers seeking a statement accent piece
• Luxury gift-giving for special occasions, anniversaries or housewarmings

Measurements & Details

The bowl measures approximately 17 cm x 15 cm. It has a pleasing weight in the hand, typical of high-quality Murano Sommerso glass, and sits securely on a flat surface.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, would like more information about the condition, or require additional photographs, please send a message. This is a refined, collectible example of Alessandro Mandruzzato’s Murano glass, ready to enhance a sophisticated interior or discerning collection.