This beautiful pocket emptier or decorative dish was created in the late 1960s by Renato Toso for the historic and highly important family company Fratelli Toso. Renato Toso was one of those designers who succeeded in reinterpreting the tradition of Murano glass without ever betraying its essence. Raised in a family deeply connected to design and art, he developed a consistently experimental approach, seeking to merge Murano’s artisanal mastery with a more contemporary visual language. What made him innovative was not only his use of traditional techniques, but the way he reinvented them. He explored transparency, the layering of glass, color and form, creating objects that were not merely decorative accessories but true functional works of art, and this pocket emptier is a splendid example of that philosophy. Executed in clear and red Murano glass, it was hand-worked in Venetian furnaces in the late 1960s and still bears its original production label, a rare testament to its authenticity.
Product Name: Pocket emptier by Renato Toso for Fratelli Toso Murano 1960
Designer: Renato Toso
Year of Design: Late 1960s
Style: Murano Modernism, 20th-century Italian design
Primary Materials: Clear and red Murano glass
Distinctive Design: Handcrafted glasswork with layered construction, interplay of transparency and color
Dimensions: Length 29cm | Depth 22.5cm | Height 3cm
Comfort: Lightweight and easy to handle, suitable for various surfaces
Typical Use: Decorative pocket emptier, display dish or centerpiece
Design Icon: An example of Renato Toso’s innovative reinterpretation of Murano glass tradition
Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of interiors, from classic to modern, ideal for collectors and design enthusiasts
Current Condition: Vintage object with original label, bearing witness to the historic production of Fratelli Toso
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We invite you to consider these characteristics before purchasing. The glass shows no chips or cracks.
Renato Toso was an Italian designer who reinterpreted the Murano glass tradition with an innovative and experimental approach. Born into a family deeply rooted in this ancient craft, he worked for the historic Fratelli Toso glassworks, founded in 1854, contributing to the modernization of its aesthetic without ever compromising its identity. His research focused on blending Murano’s artisanal knowledge with a contemporary language, experimenting with transparency, layered structures, chromatic contrasts and original forms. What made him unique was his ability to rethink traditional techniques, creating objects that were not only decorative but also functional, transforming glass into a modern and expressive medium. In addition to his work within the family firm, he collaborated with various design-oriented companies, extending his practice into lighting and furniture. His works from the 1960s and 1970s are now highly sought after by collectors for their ability to reconcile tradition and innovation, demonstrating how Murano glass remains a timeless material capable of embracing new aesthetic visions. His contribution left a lasting mark on the history of design, preserving the great Murano heritage while projecting it decisively into the future.