Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Art Tucan Sculpture by Licio Zanetti
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Art Tucan Sculpture by Licio Zanetti
This sophisticated and whimsical glass Toucan sculpture was realized in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renowned for centuries for its superlative glass production, circa 1970 by the esteemed 20th Century artist Licio Zanetti. It features a stylized rendition of a toucan- a typically brightly colored neotropical bird with a pronounced beak. Here, the toucan has been reduced to its essential form and recreated in an earthy and understated palate. Sitting on a demilune u-form perch in translucent glass with a smoked umber body; tawny beak; and antique bone hued circular eyes with dots (of the same color in the center). With its beautiful attention to detail (realized by one of the great glass artist's of the period) and refined color palate, this piece would be a winning addition to any style of interior from classic Mid Century Modern to contemporary. It is signed "Zanetti L" on the base and is in excellent vintage condition.
Italy, circa 1970
Dimensions:
Height: 14" in. (35.56 cm) x Width: 12" in. (30.48 cm) x Depth: 7.5" in. (19.05 cm)
Creator: Licio Zanetti (Artist)
Style: Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Murano Glass
Place of Origin: Italy
Period: 1970-1979
Date of Manufacture: circa 1970
Condition: Excellent
Reference Number: LU793428865252
LICIO ZANETTI
Licio Zanetti, born in 1937 in Venice, Italy, has become a renowned figure in the world of Murano glass, celebrated for his innovative and masterful glass sculptures. Under the guidance of his father, Oscar Zanetti, a master glassmaker, Licio honed his craft from a young age. Together, they founded Zanetti Vetreria Artistica in 1956, a studio that quickly gained prestige for the artistic quality of Licio’s sculptures, placing it among the most esteemed on Murano Island.
The studio is known for its distinctive approach, combining age-old Murano glass techniques with new methods developed in-house, which allowed for creative expressions that were both traditional and innovative. Licio's work often draws inspiration from naturalistic themes, reflecting his deep appreciation for the flora and fauna of the Venetian Lagoon. His pieces, whether blown or solid glass, are meticulously crafted by hand, showcasing the mastery of Murano’s glassmaking traditions.
In 1989, Licio stepped down, passing the leadership to his son, Oscar, who had been an integral part of the studio since his youth. From Licio, Oscar inherited not only artistic talent but also a passion for naturalistic subjects, which he continues to explore through vibrant collections that celebrate the natural world.
Licio's passion extended beyond traditional motifs; he was particularly fond of designing fish sculptures, often sketching ideas on the spot with a pencil in hand. His unique ability to simultaneously conceive a design and visualize its execution in the furnace set him apart from his contemporaries. This deep connection between design and craft allowed him to bring his imaginative concepts to life with fluidity and precision.
Today, the legacy of Licio Zanetti continues under Oscar's leadership, as Zanetti Vetreria Artistica remains a beacon of innovation and artistry in the Murano glass community. The studio's works are sought after by collectors and admired in public and private collections worldwide, celebrated for their exquisite beauty and unique design aesthetic that Licio Zanetti so masterfully established.
