A striking set of six Mid-Century Modern mouth-blown crystal wine or cocktail goblets, attributed to celebrated Italian architect and designer Sergio Asti and associated with Arnolfo di Cambio, Tuscany, circa 1970s.
Each sculptural glass combines a generously rounded bowl with a monumental solid cylindrical pedestal. Suspended within the pedestal is a distinctive elongated teardrop-shaped air inclusion—an especially refined variation of the goccia, or captured-drop, technique associated with the crystal workshops of Colle di Val d’Elsa.
The glasses have ground-and-polished rims rather than ordinary fire-finished lips. Subtle variations in their profiles, bubble placement and individual weights reflect their handmade manufacture. Exceptionally substantial at approximately 516–522 grams apiece, they have the clarity, brilliance and satisfying balance characteristic of fine Tuscan crystal.
Their bold architectural proportions make them equally suitable as wine goblets, cocktail glasses or collectible examples of postwar Italian design.
Because the glasses retain no visible labels or factory marks, the Sergio Asti and Arnolfo di Cambio identification is presented as an attribution.
Details
Designer: Attributed to Sergio Asti
Manufacturer: Associated with Arnolfo di Cambio
Origin: Colle di Val d’Elsa, Tuscany, Italy
Period: Circa 1970s
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Material: Mouth-blown clear crystal
Quantity: Six glasses
Height: 6⅜ inches
Diameter: 3½ inches
Individual weight: Approximately 516–522 grams
Combined weight: Approximately 3.1 kilograms
Features: Suspended teardrop inclusions, solid cylindrical pedestals and ground-and-polished rims
Condition
Excellent vintage condition, with no chips or cracks observed. Minor variations in height, profile, weight and teardrop formation are inherent to their mouth-blown, handmade construction. Light surface wear may be present consistent with age and careful use.
We have a variety of this style of glasswork available. In the photo with five different examples the glasses listed here are represented by the one with the blue arrow.