Question about Archimedes Seguso Murano Glass Dog Figure

[bidnessman]

Hi, I have a couple of questions regarding a Seguso glass dog. There is a glob of glass under its tonque and another between its hind legs. I want to list the dog but don't know exactly how to describe the "blobs"? Are they flaws in the making? Repairs? Or other? Any info/opinions appreciated.

[maeday76]

Is it signed Segusso? Paper label? Provenance? I'm asking because if it is wholly what you say it is, it would have never been allowed out of the studio with any true flaws. In this case the blobs are probably just punts where the pipe had to stop,  just like a pontil in a wine bottle. 

HOWEVER. 

Murano is being CHURNED out by our trading partners to the east and they're getting better every day. I'm sure you know that having the name of a Murano artist is rare enough, one of the most respected names is bound to be the first thing copied and sold to the unaware. 

If you're CERTAIN of the authenticity, list on!

If you've any doubts, go to glass forums and check against other dogs. Send photos to a credible auction house. They'll tell you for free in the hopes you list with them. 

[bidnessman]

Hi, no it is not signed but neither were similar ones I have seen claimed to be authentic. It had the outline of a label, now washed off. Again, its size is similar to those claimed authentic. Again, the "blobs" is what I question.

[maeday76]

In that case my response is to find the blobs on ones that have sold through reputable sources. The laws on auctions are very thin and this economy is making good names in the industry turn to the dark side. Punts are a normal part of glassmaking, but in my very limited experience, with Venetian glass they're usually heated down or well hidden.

Don't believe sites that say all Murano has smooth pontils. The next expert has examples otherwise. You're not terribly likely to find the one person here who's familiar with this piece and the artists finishing tendencies. For that, it's library or rabbit hole time. 

Unless you find the blobs on record first. 

Sorry I couldn't be more certain. 

Best of luck and please update. 

[pennpicker]

If the blobs are epoxy repairs, they'll stand out like a sore thumb under UV light.

[pennpicker]

Been awhile since researching such matters but my above statement may no longer be 100% accurate as I just recalled having a vase requiring repair and was looking into light-cured epoxy products that might not show up under UV after curing. Was 15 odd years since so the memory is a bit foggy.

[maeday76]

It's still a legit test to run. Good call @pennpicker 

[maeday76]

@bidnessman

After looking at some of Seguso's animals, I don't know that this is authentic. It may be that it's been repaired, but I couldn't find but one pontil on a different dog, and it was very subtle. However, if this is a copy, it's quite good. I saw the labels on these dogs, and they tend to be on the upper hip section, perhaps the residue still exists on yours and you can use raking light and an explanation for backing your claim of Seguso.