1960s Paolo Venini incalmo 'Clessidre' hourglass

"Hourglass", in Italian, is "Clessidre".  This piece is shown in the 1969 Venini Catalogo Verde, in Nigel Benson's Millars Glass of the 50s and 60s, and in Leslie Pina's Circa Fifties Glass.  The simplicity of the design shouldn't obscure the fact that it is a very beautiful piece.  Benson says of it:

'Juxtaposing bright colours is a typically Italian theme, used here to enliven an otherwise utilitarian object.  It was designed by Paolo Venini (1895-1959) during the Pop Art era and its vivid colours echo the style of that movement.  Fusing two colours with such precision [the 'incalmo' technique] requires great concentration and illustrates the skill of the blower.'  

The sand inside takes 6 minutes 21 seconds to run through.  The label hides a small cork through which you can alter the amount of sand.  The label is not one we are familiar with and we assume that it is that of a retailer or distributor.

Height: 19 cm
Width: 7 cm
Weight: 270 g
Stickered to the base - heavy wear to it, still readable is "RREVENI"
Condition: very light wear to both bases, heavy wear to the sticker, a few light scratches elsewhere (longest 4mm)

Our Reference: 2500

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