Established in 1927, decimated in World War II, flourishing at midcentury, then the decline at the dawn of the era of globalization and mass production; this is the story of the artistic glass industry in the Tuscan town of Empoli, on the Arno river.

Several dozen artistic glasshouses operated in the Empoli area from 1920-80. The leading concern, Vetrerie E. Taddei & C., championed by the design legend Gio Ponti, began by introducing a line of remarkably Venetian-like glass but quickly developed its own signature style 'Pesanti' which came to define the Empoli aesthetic. After WW II, the traditional, thick, ‘verde’ colored Pesanti glass gave way to bright, opaque colors and modernist forms, largely catering to the American market.

Inspired by Empoli designs, American glasshouses eroded Empoli’s primary market significantly by 1960, forcing the Italian producers to develop a distinct new style. This last major development in Empoli glassware was defined by a return to classically inspired forms, executed on a base of bold colors but decorated with graphic colorway patterns and internal techniques.

Shown here as a collection here for the first time since its introduction in the 1960’s, the range of 'colorways' vessels represents the culmination of decades of evolution of a unique regional craft. This rare selection of examples not only demonstrates the advanced skill and playful exploration of Empoli glasshouses but also beautifully represents the aesthetic sensibilities of the 1960's and 1970's.