The work “Hoopoe” by Toni Zuccheri represents one of the most refined examples of the fusion of glassmaking artistry and zoomorphic imagination. Created for Venini, the sculpture depicts the bird from which it takes its name, renowned for its distinctive crest and striking plumage. The red and black tones, enhanced by luminous reflections, convey a remarkable sense of vitality and movement, giving the work an almost living presence.
Zuccheri, a Friulian artist and master glassmaker, distinguished himself through an experimental and poetic approach to the medium, combining the elegance of design with the expressive power of nature. His creations are never merely decorative objects, but visual dialogues between reality and imagination, form and emotion.
“Hoopoe” belongs to the celebrated Bestiario series, a body of work in which Toni Zuccheri reinterprets the animal world through the language of glass. Each creature—whether bird, fish, horse, or rooster—becomes a symbol of harmony and freedom, shaped with exceptional craftsmanship and visionary creativity. The series, uniting material, colour, and light, stands as a testament to the artist’s deep fascination with nature and his ability to transform it into poetry.
Through “Hoopoe“, Zuccheri celebrates the wonder of living beings, transforming glass into a timeless and evocative form of life suspended between reality and imagination.
Description: Sculpture depicting a hoopoe, cast in lost-wax bronze with feathers in red, black, and clear glass; engraved at the base with the Venini mark and inscription “TZ – 89 1”, H cm 39x43x40.
Hammer Price: € 7.500,00
Auction 80 – March 5th, 2025 – Design – Decorative Arts
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