Empoli, as a municipality itself, is approx 30kms (45 mins) slightly south-west of Florence, in the region of Tuscany, Italy. It’s the somewhat forgotten region of the country when it comes to glass manufacturing, behind the well-known Murano or Venetian glass.
Glass making in the Empoli region of Italy actually has a history which dates to the 1500s, when local glass production was known as ‘verde’ (Italian for green). The traditional verde glass was created for a number of both functional and decorative pieces during its time.
However, during the peak post-war period, decorative items produced in Empoli and the surrounding region were manufactured at an all-time high, bound for western international markets. Across the peak of the 1950s through the early 1970s, decorative decanters, vessels, vases and the like were exported and sold at various department stores in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.
Catalogues for department stores and home styling magazines of the era can be found today online showcasing decorative Italian decanters and vases, for the most part originating from the Empoli region.
THIS LISTING
Manufacturer Vetreria Artigiana Sanminiatello (V.A.S.)
Production 1960s
Model Pitcher
Colour 'Tiger' Orange/White
Dimensions 47cm (18.5") tall
Condition Excellent condition with no wear that we can see.
This is also 'cased' glass, meaning there is a internal layer of white glass allowing the external colour to really pop.
More about Vetreria Artigiana Sanminiatello
The Vetreria Artigiana Sanminiatello (V.A.S.) factory was based in Montelupo Fiorentino, a comune just outsite Empoli, in Florence, Italy. It produced glassware during the 1970's and early 1980's, similar in style to other Empoli glass factories.
Identification can be difficult, as their products are rarely found with labels, or the labels are generic or export labels that don't name the factory.
Source, 20th Century Glass - here.
