Quattro Quarti
Designer
Giampaolo Seguso
(Italian, born 1942)
CultureItalian
Date1995
MediumBlown glass
Dimensions14 × 7 1/2 × 7 1/2 in. (35.6 × 19.1 × 19.1 cm)
SignedOn flat base, engraved with “Seguso Viro / Murano.”
Credit LineGift of Vernon Hill
Object number2020.13.3
Not on view
DescriptionA large asymmetrical blown glass vase with a round rim, whose cylindrical form is slightly indented in seven places around the sides; the color palette consists of red and blue glass at the upper quadrants and green and yellow glass at the lower quadrants, and gold dust is seen throughout the surface glass. The work is signed on its flat base, engraved with “Seguso Viro / Murano.” Quattro Quarti is an example of a vessel produced by Seguso Viro (Model 5497G-OR). The title refers to the four colors of this “cartoccio” vase (this term referring to the shape of a folded paper cone). The slightly indented surface is reminiscent of the more drastic hot folding technique found in vintage Venini fazzoletti (handkerchief) vases; the bright colors used in the vessel offer a good example of Seguso Viro’s intentional looking back towards Venetian traditions, as it recalls the bright color palette of mid-century designs by Venini designer Fulvio Bianconi and late-twentieth century works by Memphis designer Ettore Sottsass.ProvenanceGift of Vernon Hill to Chrysler Museum, June 2020.
