Design Directions - Art Glass: Vivid vases

Art glass offerings have expanded to include modern designs and new techniques, but the bold hues of these vibrant vessels still draw their inspiration from early Murano masterpieces. Translucent glass gives off a modern intensity, complex pearlescent finishes glow and multi-tonal colors melt together in a collection of containers that go way beyond function.

Four appendages reach out from the base to support the body of this 1920s-inspired, fused fashion glass vase from Desantis Designs, part of a coordinating collection of pieces ($145 to $850).

Two arms of seemingly melting glass stretch toward the sky in Mark Roberts' dramatic Murano Grand Decor design ($200).

Light plays off the many points of these highly textural vases from Union Street's Urchin Collection, creating a dazzling effect.

Moser's limited edition Bubbles vase, made up of clear glass spheres pressed between two cool blue chambers, offers a contemporary interpretation of water ($4,835).

Gold leaves glow and dark tree trunks are striking against a blazing red background in Glass Nuvo's Forest Vases.

Designs from Matthews & Company's Verdi Copper Collection, like this large urn, are made of hand-blown recycled materials, ensuring each piece is a unique work of art ($300).

Tozai Home's striking collection of teardrop designs includes subtle frosted amber and blue hues, as well as intense tones created by layering colors ($60 to $80).