Pair of second-hand vases – Alberto Dona

Pair of vases - Used - Clean design and dramatic details

This pair of vases by Alberto Dona embodies the Italian designer's refined approach to contemporary glassmaking. Dating from the 1980s, these pieces combine controlled geometry with remarkably expressive visual elements. The black and orange peaks are the stylistic signature of this set, transforming simple forms into striking decorative sculptures.

The room

The Occasion vases exemplify a particular aesthetic pursuit: the balance between the vase's clean verticality and the expressiveness of its decorative elements. This duality characterizes the approach of many Italian glassmakers in the 1970s and 1980s, a period of intense experimentation in which glass became a sculptural medium. The alternating black and orange hues create a captivating visual tension, reinforcing the dramatic impact of the composition. The glasswork reveals precise execution, blending blowing and modeling to achieve these organic and dynamic forms. This pair is fully in keeping with high-level Venetian design, where technical mastery serves a singular and recognizable formal expression.

Origins & Manufacturing

Alberto Dona is an Italian glassmaker whose work spans from the 1970s to the present day. His work continues the Venetian glassmaking tradition, reinterpreted with a contemporary aesthetic. The Occasion vases were created around 1980, a period of peak experimentation with solid, colored glass. Their production combines hand-blown glass with the modeling of additional details, a technique requiring considerable expertise in molten glass. The glass used exhibits a density and clarity characteristic of high-end Italian glassmaking of the era. The signature on the base attests to the artist's direct responsibility, guaranteeing the piece's authenticity and quality.

Conservation state

This pair of vases is marked "Occasion," indicating use that has preserved their structural integrity. The glass remains intact, free of major cracks or chips. The surfaces retain their characteristic luster, with a light patina consistent with an object of this period. The orange and black peaks remain perfectly defined, attesting to careful preservation away from thermal or mechanical shocks that could have damaged them. The wear reflects the piece's history, adding to its authenticity as a collector's item. Overall, they remain in excellent aesthetic and functional condition for vases of this date.

The team's opinion The Auctionlab

This pair of Occasion vases presents a wonderful opportunity for collectors of Venetian design from the 1970s and 1980s. Alberto Dona's work deserves greater recognition in the art glass market. These vases combine accessible size with a striking visual presence: perfectly suited to a sophisticated contemporary interior where they enhance the decorative scheme without cluttering the space. Their generous dimensions (H41,5 × D24,5 cm / 16.3 × 9.65 in) allow for optimal visibility of the chromatic details, a true strength of the composition. A signed, dated set with documented authenticity – exactly what a discerning collector seeks.