Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter, 1960s

Attribution: Designed by Flavio Poli (1900–1984) for Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Murano, Italy.

Date: Circa 1960s.

This exceptional table lighter exemplifies the "Sommerso" technique, a hallmark of mid-century Italian glass artistry. The piece consists of a solid, heavy mass of clear glass that encapsulates a core of vibrant, deep amethyst or magenta glass. The design relies on "incalmo" or submerged layering, creating a distinct visual separation between the outer casing and the inner color.

The form is architectural and sculptural: the body is cut with precise, flat geometric facets that contrast sharply with the smooth, rounded interior volume of the colored glass. This faceting acts as a prism, refracting light and giving the object a jewel-like depth. 

The lighter mechanism is a nickel-plated gas butane insert made by GHB - Georg & Heinrich Böhme from Offenbach (West Germany) which existed till 1972. It is subtle and integrated into the glass body, allowing the glass artistry to dominate the visual experience.

The piece is a classic example of Italian mid-century modernist design, where the boundaries between functional object and pure sculpture are intentionally blurred.

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $100–150.00$

Weight: 850 grams (12.5 oz) 

Dimensions:

• height: 10,3 cm
• diameter: 12 cm

While this specific example features a deep amethyst or magenta core, the "Sommerso" technique by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte was produced in a wide spectrum of vibrant hues. Common color variants include:

• Emerald Green (often with a clear casing or paired with amber/yellow)

• Sapphire Blue (deep cobalt, sometimes layered with clear glass for a "frozen" effect)

• Topaz/Amber (warm golden tones, frequently combined with green glass in the same piece)

• Ruby Red (often appearing almost black at the edges due to the thickness of the glass)

• Aquamarine (lighter, clearer blue-green tones)

These colors were achieved by adding specific metal oxides to the glass mixture (e.g., copper and cobalt for blues, gold or selenium for reds). The variety allowed collectors and consumers to choose a finishing touch suited to different interior décors of the mid-century era.