Extra Large Big Lip Fish From Mid-Century Italy

Unusually Large Big Lip Fish in Verde Green Made in Mid-Century Italy

Glass artists from mid-century Italy produced a wide range of stylish fish figurines. Many Italian glass makers produced fish with big lips, but artists like Seguso and Toso are usually credited for the early stylized form. This fish stands out from most fish figurines from mid-century Italy because it is very large. This lunker weighs in at 3.6 lbs!

It measures 8″ long, 7.5″ tall and 2.5″ thick. Unusually large fish figurine! The color is known as Verde, a dark, earthy grayish green. The color itself points to a company called Empoli, a studio glass exporter in mid-20th century Italy that is well-known for use of Verde colored glass.

Hard to see in the images are the numerous well placed bubbles trapped within the glass. The Italians call this bubbly interior decor ‘Bullicante’. The interior bubbles were stretched when the maker pulled the tail into form. The lips, eyes, and fins were handworked separately and applied to the main body. The base is polished flat. The base shows bottom-wear, tiny scratches caused by years of surface contact, as it should.

In excellent condition. A rare find due to its size and color. Unsigned. Made in Italy, circa 1940 – 1960.