Vetreria Artistica Oball (known as Oball Glass) was founded on the island of Murano in 1978 by master glassmaker Luigi Onesto. Born into a traditional Venetian glassmaking family, Onesto had been immersed in the craft from an early age, beginning his formal apprenticeship at just 15 years old at the Gambaro & Poggi furnaces.
When Onesto established his own studio, he was joined by his sons, Fabio and Michele, turning Oball into a multi-generational family enterprise that continues to operate today.
Onesto and his sons created heavy, polished pieces by suspending vibrant, contrasting layers of coloured glass - often jewel tones like amethyst, ruby, and sapphire - within a thick, crystal-clear outer casing. Their most sought-after late-20th-century pieces include teardrop vases, perfume bottles, and marine sculptures.
For collectors looking to authenticate these finds, Oball pieces are frequently hand-engraved on the base with signatures such as 'L. Onesto Murano' or simply 'Oball'. Additionally, because their pieces were highly prized in the Western market, they can frequently be found bearing the original foil labels of major luxury importers, most notably the American distributor Oggetti.
THIS LISTING
Model Birds on Branch
Colour Alabastro Pink
Production 1960s/70s
Dimensions 23cm (9") tall, 11cm wide
Condition Excellent condition with no wear that we can see.
