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:
A fantastic vintage Empoli cocktail set - including a large decanter and six wine goblets. All featured in a glorious teal blue, with a clear twisted stem (and handle on the decanter).
Model: Cocktail Set
Produced in the 1960s
Dimensions: 34cm tall (decanter), 15cm tall x 6cm diameter (goblets)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition, with no wear that we can see. There are also residual parts of the original paper/foil labels on both the decanter and one of the goblets. We believe that originally there may have been a stopper for the decanter, as you can see some light internal rubbing on the neck.
