NEW YORK, NY.- On December 14, Bonhams will offer Fire and Light: A Selection of Highlights from the Cenedese Archive, a collection of over 150 glass designs from the Cenedese workshop of Murano, Italy with many of the works never seen in public and at auction for the first time. This sale presents an excellent opportunity for new and established collectors alike, with estimates ranging from $3,000 to $20,000.

The company was founded by Gino Cenedese in 1946, and it went on to become one of the leading workshops in the island of Murano’s creative renaissance, bringing the firm international acclaim. Cenedese initially set up the firm in partnership with glass maestros, Alfred Barbini, Gino Fort, Angelo Tosi and Pietro Scaramal and produced some of the most engaging works of their careers and achieved both commercial, as well as international critical acclaim. The firm quickly earned accolades, beginning in 1948 at the XXVI Venice Biennale that year.

The auction features exceptional examples by masters Napoleone Martinuzzi, Ermanno Nason, Alfredo Barbini and Antonio da Ros. Works by Alfredo Barbini and Antonio da Ros, include the very first example of his iconic hand blown submerged glass ‘Momento’ series to be produced that received acclaim at the 1960 Venice Biennale, as well as three hand worked sculptural acid treated “corosso” works by Alfredo Barbini that achieved huge success at the Venice Biennale in 1948 - a transformative moment in Barbini’s long illustrious career. Glassworks from the family company are still made to this day in the original workshop.

Highlights:

• Gino Cenedese (1907-1973) And Antonio Da Ros (1936-2012), Important Vetri Sommersi Contrappunto Sasso Exhibition Vase, 1960 (estimate: $15,000-20,000)

• Alfredo Barbini, (1912-2007) Mano, 1948 (estimate: $10,000-15,000)

• Antonio Da Ros (1936-2012), Rare Large Clessidra a Tronco di Cono Vase, 1964 (estimate: $4,000-6,000)

• Vetreria Gino Cenedese (Founded 1946), Unique Sommerso Vase, 1963 (estimate: $4,000-6,000)

• Alfredo Barbini (1912-2007), Unique Busto Maschile, 1948 (estimate: $7,000-9,000)

• Napoleone Martinuzzi (1892-1977), Unique Base Lampada Scavo, 1953-58 (estimate: $4,000-6,000)