Blue and white zanfirico handblown glass art bowl

Handblown blue and white glass bowl with a complex pattern of white lines created using zanfirico canes (glass rods containing thin lines of dense color in a spiraling twist). 

In this case stiff white glass was melted onto a rod, encased in clear glass and pulled into long thin rods, called canes.  Pieces of those white-cored canes were rolled up on a thick rod of clear glass and then twisted and pulled into a new cane with spiral white filaments. That “twisty cane” was then alternated with canes of cobalt blue,  rolled up on a collar of hot glass, heated, and then twisted before being blown into its final form. This bowl has a clear foot, the base of which has been cold worked to level and has a polished finish. This bowl is one of a kind and was blown by the artist (David L Smith) with a unique shape and pattern. Because this is hand-blown, there are small bubbles and tool marks present in the piece that are artifacts of the studio glass process. This vase is a piece of art and is signed and dated by the artist. And it it a practical object as well, suitable for use every day. Hand washing recommended.