This is a vintage Murano glass figure of a Commedia Dell'Arte Pierrot.
It is a really large example measuring some 18 inches in height.
It was made by Franco Toffolo, and has his signature G. Toffolo etched on the base at the back.
Franco Giancarlo Toffolo was born in 1934 in Murano, Venice, Italy. His interest in glass art started when he was 9 years old, whilst working with his father, Giancomo, a top Glass Master in Murano.
He was a gold medal winner at the Technical School in Murano and worked for over 40 years with Venetian glass in Murano. Toffolo also worked for the Venini glass company, Murano from 1946 to 1950. Franco
He signed his creations G.Toffolo up until 1981, when he joined Caithness Glass in Scotland where he worked on special commissions and exhibition pieces.
Since then he has signed his work Franco Toffolo.
The celebrated glass artist, John Ditchfield learned his skills during a seven-year apprenticeship with Franco Toffolo.
My figurine is in excellent condition with no damages.
A more unusual model - the figure is tall and slender and with his little black glass mask - he must be celebrating the Venetian Carnivale.
I just love the shape of his hat - which sweeps down in an attractive curve to his shoulders and ends with a little white pom-pom at the tip. He has a matching pop-pom or large white glass button on his waist.
He is dressed is a bright scarlet red one piece suit - with tight trousers showing off his slender legs.
The costume is decorated with amber glass ruffles at the neck, wrists and behind his lower leg section.
He stands on a large round amber glass base - which has a discreet etched signature at the back.
He stands in a rather rakish position.
Sadly, due to the fragility of this figurine - he would have to be limited to UK postage only.
His size also pushes up the postage quote for this stunning hand made glass figurine.
A great addition to your collection.