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Notable Works

Nef (Ship-shaped ewer)

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Place of production or style
Venice, Italy
Number of components
1
Format and materials
Glass
Dimensions (in cm)
D. (major axis) 24.4, D. (minor axis) 12.0, H. 31.0
Date of production
16-17th century

Ship-shaped containers such as this example were derived from the nef, a metalwork table ornament and container, and were used as a nef or as a water pitcher. Records show that Arminia Vivarini, the daughter of a Venetian painter, was allowed a special patent to produce glass vessels in the form of ships in 1521. Here human faces have been fused to the centers of the sides of the ship. Each mast has been formed of glass canes and has a cornucopia, symbolizing abundance, atop it. This design is the very symbol of Venice, a maritime state, itself.