Modern Italian Art Glass Platter, Ercole Moratti, Venice, Italy circa 2000

This handsome modern Italian art glass platter from the Ercole Moretti workshop on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy circa 2000  is notable for its combination of two different types of glass. The foundation of the platter is in a series of angled glass of different colors set with small sections of "murrino", the slender rods of Venetian glass made in a multitude of patterns and colors. In this platter the asymmetrical placement of both the solid colors against the  murrino creates a dynamic contrast. Please note how there is a single row of murrino set at a ninety degree angle to the double row of murrino and how the floral inspiration of the murrino pattern contrasts beautifully with the bold stripes. There is a three step process to make such a platter with the colorful sections placed into a frame first then the single color glass matrix poured to surround the individual glass beads. Be sure to enlarge the photograph showing the small beads that begin the process. Then the platter is fired in the kiln to fuse all the glass together. The heat causes the platter to bend slightly and assume its sloped shape. After the platter has cooled it is buffed to smooth the surface to a lovely satin finish. The platter stands upon a custom made iron stand for excellent display. The platter contains a small bead with the letter "M" to identify the maker as well as the original stamp on the reverse side certifying that the Venetian art glass platter was hand made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.