Overview
A jewel-like Murano table lighter in faceted sommerso glass by Alessandro Mandruzzato, Italy, 1970s. A submerged block of glass glowing from deep red at the core to golden amber, diamond-cut into sparkling facets and fitted with a chromed lighter mechanism.
 
Description
This table lighter is a superb example of the Murano sommerso ("submerged") technique, in which layers of coloured glass are cased one within another.
Here a vivid red core is encased in warm amber-gold and a final layer of clear crystal, then cut and polished into a faceted, gem-like polyhedron that refracts the light and makes the colour appear to float within the block. The chromed metal lighter mechanism set into the top turns the piece into a functional object without diminishing its sculptural, jewel-like presence. Seen against the light, the colours shift from glowing ruby to honeyed amber.
 
Design & Function
Conceived as a table lighter for the desk, bar or coffee table, it works equally as a small sculptural object or paperweight-like accent, catching and scattering light from every facet. The mechanism sits neatly within the polished glass, uniting function and decoration in the best Murano tradition.
A tactile, glamorous object that anchors a smoking set or stands alone as a jewel of colour.
 
Materials & Aesthetic
The piece showcases the mastery of Murano sommerso glass — the depth and purity of the cased colours, the precision of the faceted, polished cutting, and the interplay of red, amber and crystal. This command of submerged colour and sharply cut geometry is the hallmark of Alessandro Mandruzzato's work, and gives the lighter its rich, gem-like quality. The chromed mechanism adds a cool, modern counterpoint to the warmth of the glass.
 
Technical Details
Product: Faceted Murano Sommerso Glass Table Lighter by Alessandro Mandruzzato, Italy, 1970s
Designer: Alessandro Mandruzzato
Manufacturer: Murano, Italy (Mandruzzato workshop)
Period: 1970s
Materials: Murano sommerso (submerged, cased) glass, faceted and polished; chromed metal lighter mechanism
Dimensions: Height 11cm | Diameter: 8cm
Condition: Please note that this item is in good vintage condition. The sommerso glass is in excellent condition, with vivid colour and crisp facets; the chromed mechanism shows light patina and wear consistent with age. The lighter mechanism is present, and we recommend having it checked or serviced before use. We kindly invite you to take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
Functionality: Table lighter (gas), with the mechanism set into the faceted glass body
 
Collectibility
Murano sommerso glass is highly sought after by collectors, and faceted table lighters by Alessandro Mandruzzato are especially desirable for their jewel-like cutting and masterful layering of colour. Compact, luminous and sculptural, this piece is an ideal collector's object and a glamorous accent for refined interiors, at home on a desk, bar cart or coffee table.
 
Designer & Manufacturer
The Mandruzzato family workshop in Murano is renowned for its mastery of sommerso and faceted, cut glass — ashtrays, bowls, vases and objects in richly layered submerged colours, precisely "molato" (cut and polished) into geometric, jewel-like forms. Alessandro Mandruzzato continues this tradition as a maestro, and his pieces are prized for the depth and brilliance of their cased colours and the crispness of their faceting — qualities fully evident in this table lighter.