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 Stelvia Glass
Series Opalina Fiorentina
Production 1960s
Model Pitcher
Colour Red
Dimensions 32.5cm (13") tall, 12.5cm wide
Condition Excellent condition with no wear that we can see. Retains its original paper/foil label.
This is also 'cased' glass, meaning there is a internal layer of white glass allowing the external colour to really pop.
More about Stelvia Glass
Stelvia Glass was established in the 1950s, in the Empoli region of Italy. The name itself is an acronym; S.T.E.L.V.I.A. stands for Società Toscana Esercizio Lavorazione Vetri Industriali e Artistici (English literal translation: Tuscan Company for Industrial and Artistic Glass Processing).
The company's production centred around decorative items such as vases, pitchers, etc and other tableware in a variety of bright colours. From what we believe most of this was marketed under the 'Opalina Fiorentina' range.
Pieces from this range are often seen with their original paper/foil labels intact, sometimes with the words 'Lavorazione a mano', literally translating to 'handmade' in English.
Wayne Husted, a well known designer for American firm Blenko Glass, is known to have worked with and produced designs for the company during a stint in the 1960s. These were released as part of their 'Antiqua' range.
We believe the company ceased production in the early 2000s.
