Cristalleria Artistica Toscana (Empoli, Italy)

Cristalleria Artistica Toscana, frequently referred to by collectors by its acronym C.A.T., was a glass manufacturer operating in the Empoli region during the mid-century period. Unlike some of the local furnaces that focused on traditional verde glass or delicate classical stemware, C.A.T.’s catalog was bold, playful, and pop-art driven.

In the vintage market, the studio is perhaps most celebrated for its iconic 'candy stripe' or 'candy swirl' glass. They produced massive floor vases, bulbous jugs, and towering 'genie bottles' featuring striking, opaque white spiralling stripes cased in vibrant translucent colours.

Beyond decorative tableware, the C.A.T. furnaces also produced magnificent, large-scale lighting. They are highly sought after today for their massive, hand-blown triple gourd table lamps. These spectacular statement pieces were produced in solid colours or featured their signature candy stripe techniques, catering perfectly to the vibrant interior design trends of the 1960s.

Like many Empoli manufacturers, a vast amount of C.A.T.'s output was destined for the international export market, particularly the United States. Pieces are often found with labels of mid-century import distributors, such as Alrose or Raymor.

Read more about Italian Empoli glass production here.