Sculptural Submerged Glass Ashtray by Gianfranco Mandruzzato, 1970

Extraordinary sculptural ashtray made by Gianfranco Mandruzzato in Murano between the 1960s and 1970s, an emblematic example of his research on submerged glass and faceted geometry.
The work features a compact and monumental form, obtained through the superimposition of multiple layers of colored glass: an internal core in cobalt blue glass is immersed in a substantial amber layer and subsequently encased in a thick crystalline shell.
The upper and side surfaces are hand-ground with diamond precision to create perfectly polished geometric planes, while the lower part is deliberately left irregular and material, with an “icy” texture typical of the Mandruzzato workshop.
This dialogue between clear transparencies and raw surfaces creates a sculptural contrast of great plastic strength: light enters, is captured by the thicknesses, and returned through warm and deep tones that recall submerged glass of the finest Murano tradition. The faceted cut, rigorous and architectural, is a distinctive hallmark of Mandruzzato’s workmanship of the 1960s, a period in which the family brought grinding techniques to the highest levels of Venetian glass design.
A decorative object of great presence, heavy, balanced, and iconic, perfect for collectors of Murano glass and for modern interiors that enhance sculptural pieces with strong visual impact.

Product Name: Sculptural submerged glass ashtray by Gianfranco Mandruzzato Murano 1970
Designer: Gianfranco Mandruzzato, Murano
Year of Design: Between the 1960s and 1970s
Style: Sculptural, geometric, and faceted Murano design, with strong research on transparency, light, and volumes
Main Materials: Multi-layer submerged glass with cobalt blue core, intermediate amber layer, and thick crystalline shell; hand-ground sections and material lower surface with “icy” texture
Distinctive Design: Compact and monumental form obtained through the superimposition of multiple layers of colored glass; upper and side surfaces hand-ground with diamond precision to create polished geometric planes; contrast between clear transparencies and raw surfaces; irregular lower texture typical of the Mandruzzato workshop; rigorous and architectural faceted cut emblematic of 1960s workmanship
Dimensions: Length 14 cm | Width 14 cm | Height 7 cm
Comfort: Heavy, stable, and perfectly balanced structure
Typical Use: Sculptural decorative object, ashtray or centerpiece; ideal for collectors of Murano glass and for modern interiors that enhance artistic pieces with strong visual impact
Design Icon: Representative example of the finest Murano tradition of submerged glass and of Mandruzzato’s mastery in grinding during the 1960s
Versatility: Perfect both as a standalone decorative element and when placed in contemporary, vintage, or artistic design contexts; easily integrates into modern interiors, private collections, and curatorial environments
Current Condition of the Design: Absolutely no chipping of the glass