NEW YORK, NY.- On July 31, Bonhams will offer stunning glass works in the sale of Modern Decorative Art + Design, a selection of 45 glass designs from Venice, Italy, with many of the works at auction for the first time. This sale presents an excellent opportunity for new and established collectors alike, with estimates ranging from $2,000 to $20,000.

Leading the glass selection are colorful works by Laura Diaz de Santillana (1955-2019), the grand-niece of celebrated Murano glass designer, Paolo Venini (1895 – 1959). Highlights include two exquisite blown glass works: Qumran Verdi Acquamare, 2004, and Flag 36, 2005. Both are each estimated at $12,000-18,000.

Dan Tolson, Bonhams International Director of Modern Decorative Art + Design, said: “Laura Diaz de Santillana was born and raised in Venice, but actually went to New York to study art. This also makes these pieces perfect for the New York sale – a segue between the ancient Venetian craft of glass making and New York’s abstract expressionist art scene.”

Glassmaking in Venice was initially located in the city, but due to the risk of fires, the entire industry was moved to the Venetian island of Murano in the 13th century and the artisans were forbidden from leaving or sharing their ideas with outsiders.

Paolo Venini profoundly changed a 2000-year-old industry by inviting major artists and designers to the island, from 1920 to around 1970. Murano witnessed seismic artistic and technical advancements with renowned architect Carlo Scarpa, sculptor Napoleone Martinuzzi, and Fulvio Bianconi, among others.




Other glass highlights in the sale include:

• Fulvio Bianconi (1915-1996), Rare Variant Pezzato Vase, designed 1951, this example acquired 1960 together with the original receipt of purchase from Venini, Venice, 314 San Marco, dated 10 July 1960 (estimate: $10,000-15,000)

• Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978), Rare A Macchie Dish, 1942 (estimate: $15,000-20,000)

• Tadao Ando (born 1941), Set of Three 'Rosetta', 'Ghiaccio' and 'Velato' 'Ando' Vases, 2011 (estimate: $20,000-30,000)

In addition, Bonhams is proud to sponsor the official prize for The Venice Glass Week (TVGW). The Venice Glass Week, from September 5-13, is the international festival founded in 2017 to celebrate, support and promote the art of glassmaking: the artistic and economic activity for which the Lagoon City of Venice has been renowned around the world for over 1,000 years.

Tolson, added: “Bonhams is delighted to be supporting the festival once again with the second edition of the TVGW Prize, following the inaugural edition last year. The prize is aligned with Bonhams’ philosophy of celebrating exceptional talent, innovation, and recognizes the vision of today’s glass masters and artists, and their unique contribution to the global design community.”