Empoli
Textured Amber Glass Decanter "Bird of Peace" by Wayne Husted - Stelvia, Empoli - 1960s
Textured Amber Glass Decanter "Bird of Peace" by Wayne Husted - Stelvia, Empoli - 1960s
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Presenting the "Bird of Peace" Amber Glass Decanter, a masterpiece from the 1960s designed by Wayne Husted for Stelvia, Empoli, Italy.
This decanter features a textured surface adorned with motifs of a dove, daisy, and vines, reflecting the era's artistic flair. The design pays homage to Pablo Picasso's "Dove of Peace," created in 1949 for the World Peace Congress, embodying a message of hope and unity.
The centrepiece of Husted's work for Stelvia was the "Antiqua" line (also sometimes spelled "Antigua"), which featured bold textures and distinctive embossed patterns. This collection was distinguished by its medieval-inspired imagery that incorporated "bold textures of contrasting round shapes and straight, symmetrical lines. The Antiqua pieces were characterized by their textured surfaces that created stunning visual effects, especially when placed near light sources where they would "absolutely glisten".
This decanter is not just a functional object, but a piece of artistic history that connects American design, Italian craftsmanship, and powerful peace symbolism of the mid-20th century—truly a conversation piece with significant cultural backstory.
The amber glass emits a warm glow, making it a captivating addition to any decor. Standing at approximately 28 cm tall and 14 cm wide, it remains in very good condition with no nicks, chips, or cracks.
- Material: Pressed Glass
- Pattern: "Bird of Peace"
- Collection: "Antiqua"
- Style: Mid-Century Modern / Danish or Scandi Modern
- Designer: Wayne Husted
- Place of Origin: Italy
- Date of Manufacture: 1960s
- Condition: Perfect condition
Dimension:
Height: 27.5 cm | 10.8 in
Width: 14 cm | 5.5 in
Depth: 5 cm | 1.9 in
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Origin & Maker
Empoli, a town in Italy's Tuscany region, has been a prominent center for glassmaking since the 15th century. The area's glass industry flourished due to the abundant natural resources, particularly the local sand rich in iron oxide, which imparted a characteristic green hue to the glass, known as "Empoli Verde."
In the 1950s, Stelvia Glassworks was established in Empoli. The name "Stelvia" is an acronym for "Società Toscana Esercizio Lavorazione Vetri Industriali e Artistici," translating to "Tuscan Company for Industrial and Artistic Glass Processing." Stelvia became renowned for its innovative designs, including the "Antiqua" range, crafted by esteemed American designer Wayne Husted. These pieces often featured textured surfaces and vibrant colours, reflecting the mid-century modern aesthetic.
Empoli's glassmakers, including Stelvia, transitioned from traditional green glassware to producing brightly coloured cased glass in the 1950s and 60s, showcasing their adaptability and artistic evolution. Today, Empoli's glass heritage is celebrated worldwide, with vintage pieces highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
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