Condition: Near Mint
Height: 9″ (22.5cm)
Width: 4″ (10cm)
Length: 4″ (10cm)
Diameter: 4″ (10cm)
Year Manufactured: 1970
This beautiful piece is a vintage Murano Empoli Tortoise Shell Art Glass Vase, dating all the way…
Condition: Near Mint
Height: 9″ (22.5cm)
Width: 4″ (10cm)
Length: 4″ (10cm)
Diameter: 4″ (10cm)
Year Manufactured: 1970
This beautiful piece is a vintage Murano Empoli Tortoise Shell Art Glass Vase, dating all the way back to around 1970. It’s a fantastic example of Italian mid-century decor, standing about 9 inches tall and about 4 inches wide. The vase is in near mint condition, which is pretty remarkable considering it’s over 50 years old. The rich tortoise shell pattern and the flared ruffled top give it a really classic and eye-catching look, perfect for dressing up a shelf, table, or sideboard. The glasswork itself feels solid and substantial, showing off the care and quality of true Murano craftsmanship. There’s even a gold label on the front reading “Echt Handarbeit Italien,” which means “genuine handmade Italy,” so you know this isn’t some mass-produced modern replica.
Murano and Empoli glass have been celebrated worldwide for generations. Murano glassmaking goes all the way back to the 13th century on an island in Venice, but Empoli, in Tuscany, also became famous for its own unique glassware, particularly in the mid-20th century. The 1970s saw a boom in these styles, fueled by the global fascination for colorful, artistic home décor. Art glass from this era is increasingly rare as pieces get lost or damaged over time, especially with this tortoise shell motif which was popular but not as mass produced as clear or plain colored glass. If you come across one in near mint condition like this, it’s a lucky find for collectors and decorators alike—there’s a real nostalgia and elegance to these vintage Italian pieces that you just can’t fake.
