2 Ischia Lighting Pendant by Pianon Alessandro, for Castle, Fontana Arte 1960s

Venice has long been a manufacturing center for exquisite art glass, and since as early as the 8th century, legions of expert glassmakers have been honing their skills there. The glass components of eminently collectible chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps and other objects and fixtures are hand-blown in the region by a master of Murano glass, named for the Italian island of Murano, where glassmaking has been practiced for hundreds of years, using a variety of artisanal processes. Renowned glass artist Alessandro Pianon was a product of the region’s rich glassmaking tradition.

Born in Venice, Pianon studied at the Architecture School in Venice to become an architect and designer. Prolific glass manufacturer Vetreria Vistosi hired Pianon in 1956 to design the company logo. The history of Vistosi and its extraordinary lighting and decorative objects reaches as far back as 1640, when the Gazzabin family of Murano opened a furnace for producing Murano glass art. "Vistoso," which was originally a nickname, became part of the family's surname, and eventually the name “Vistosi” was used to refer to the family’s glass creations.

Pleased with his work, the manufacturer retained Pianon as a designer. At Vistosi, Pianon developed his glass-blowing techniques and designed a series of collections of pieces for the company (the maker’s “Pulcini” bird sculptures are particularly well-known). Over this time he perfected his unique style, producing pendant lamps and chandeliers of all different kinds, whimsical bird sculptures in vibrant colors that feature richly textured surfaces, and other objects and furnishings. He started his own design studio in 1962.

Pianon’s work is highly collectible — his lighthearted “Pulcini” birds, with their bulbous forms and lanky legs of patinated copper, are very popular with lovers of art glass, and these works introduce cheeriness and pops of color into any interior. 

On 1stDibs, find vintage Alessandro Pianon lighting and decorative objects.