$10,842
H 6.5 in W 8.67 in D 4.14 in
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino' blue bird Execution Vetreria Vistosi 1962
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Vigevano, PV
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino' uccello azzurro Esecuzione Vetreria Vistosi 1962
Copper
Alessandro Pianon ‘Pulcino’ for Vistosi, 1962
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Sittard, LI
This Pulcino bird was designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi in 1962. Hand-blown in bright
Copper
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino' bird Execution Vetreria Vistosi 1962
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Vigevano, PV
Spherical shape. H: 23cm. Execution: Vetreria Vistosi. Glass, colorless and orange with fused crushed glass, applied murrine as eyes; feet made of bent copper wire. Literature: Cf. M...
Murano Glass
Alessandro Pianon Bird (pulcino) for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Brussels, BE
Great Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano art glass bird. Iconic design. Fine and good condition
Art Glass
Pulcino by Alessandro Pianon, Vetreria Vistosi Murano
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Uccle, BE
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, Murano (Italy). Sculpture of a bird in blown glass, composed of an orange
Blown Glass
$13,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 10 in Dm 3.75 in
Mid Century Modern Art Glass Pulcino Bird by, Alessandro Pianon for VIstosi
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Englewood, NJ
An iconic and rare Italian Mid-Century Modern art glass "Pulcino" bird designed by, Alessandro
Copper
Alessandro Pianon (1931-1984) Pulcino - Murano
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in TOULON, FR
Alessandro Pianon (1931-1984) Pulcino Poussin en Verre de Murano et cuivre Production Vetraria
Murano Glass
Unavailable
H 9 in W 4.75 in D 5.5 in
Vistosi Pulcino Bird by Alessandro Pianon Murano Glass Sculpture Copper Legs
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Great Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano art glass bird. Iconic design.
Blown Glass
Alessandro Pianon 'Pulcino' Glass Bird Model S191 for Vistosi
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Munich, DE
We love this glass bird which were designed by Italian glass blower Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
Copper
Sold
H 8.75 in W 6 in D 5 in
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino Pulcini Murano Bird Sculpture Vistosi circa 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Iconic Murano glass bird designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi circa 1960’s. Amazing design
Blown Glass
Pulcino par Alessandro Pianon
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Uccle, BE
. Designed in 1962 by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, Murano (Italy). This green glass bird features a body
Blown Glass
Pulcino Sculpture by Alessandro Pianon
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare, beautiful and finely rendered handblown glass bird by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, having
Brass
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, Pulcino, 1962
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in CA, CA
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, Pulcino, 1962 A Beautiful wedge shaped "Pulcini" bird glass
Blown Glass
Pulcino Glass Bird by Alessandro Pianon, Vetreria Vistosi Murano
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pulcino glass bird by Alessandro Pianon, Vetreria Vistosi Murano, Italy, 1960-1969.
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Sold
H 12 in W 4.75 in D 3.5 in
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi J Bird Pulcino Pulcini Sculpture Copper Legs Murrine
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi J Bird Pulcino Pulcini Sculpture with Copper Legs and Murrine decoration
Art Glass
Italian Art Glass Mid-Century Modern Red "Pulcino" by Alessandro Pianon
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Englewood, NJ
A rare Italian Mid-Century Modern art glass red "Pulcino" (chick) bird designed by Alessandro
Art Glass
Pulcino Glass Bird Sculptures by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pulcino Glass Bird Sculptures by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, Italy, circa 1960s. The larger
Glass
Sold
H 8 in W 4 in D 4.25 in
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Murano Pulcino Pulcini Bird Sculpture Rare Form Color
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Rare Murano glass bird designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi circa 1960’s. This color is seldom
Blown Glass
Sold
H 12 in W 4.75 in D 3.5 in
Alessandro Pianon Model S 189 Pulcini Pulcino Murano Bird Sculpture with Murrine
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Alessandro Pianon Model S 189 Pulcini Pulcino Murano Bird Sculpture with Murrine Decoration. These
Blown Glass
Sold
H 13.25 in W 3.75 in D 3 in
Italian Glass Mid-Century Modern Vistosi J-Pulcino Bird by Alessandro Pianon
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Englewood, NJ
A whismical Italian Mid-Century Modern art glass "J Pulcino" chick bird designed by Alessandro
Art Glass
Sold
H 8.5 in W 4 in D 4.5 in
Mid-Century Italian Blown Glass Pulcino Bird by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Englewood, NJ
A rare Italian Mid-Century Modern art glass "Millefiore Pulcino" bird designed by, Alessandro
Blown Glass
Sold
H 6.25 in W 9 in D 3.75 in
Alessandro Pianon Rare Form Murano Pulcino Pulcini Bird Sculpture in Rare Color
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Rare Murano glass bird designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi circa 1960’s. This color is seldom
Blown Glass
Sold
H 7.88 in W 4.14 in D 4.73 in
Pulcino sculpture in the shape of blown glass bird by Alessandro Pianon
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Uccle, BE
on its hammered copper legs, designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi in Murano, in 1962. Its cubic
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Pulcino Glass Bird by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano Italy 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Troy, MI
A rare Pulcino bird designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Visosti Murano Italy circa 1962
Copper
Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass “Pulcino” by, Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Englewood, NJ
A whimsical Italian Mid-Century Modern glass hand blown “Pulcino” designed by, Alessandro Pianon
Copper
Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass “Pulcino” by, Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Englewood, NJ
A whimsical Italian Mid-Century Modern glass hand blown “Pulcino” designed by, Alessandro Pianon
Copper
Sold
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in L 7.88 in
Set of Five Pulcini 'pulcino' Glass Birds, Alessandro Pianon, Vetreria Vistosi
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Uccle, BE
designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi in Murano in 1962. The first bird (left) has a cubic shape
Blown Glass
Alessandro Pianon, a Pulcino Glass Bird for Vistosi, Murano, circa 1963
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
birds created in 1952-3 by Alessandro Pianon for the Vistosi glassworks on the island of Murano, off
Copper
Vistosi Murano Pulcino Glass with Murrine Eyed Bird by Alessandro Pianon
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare and beautiful sculpture in glass made for approx only 2 years in Italy.The bird seems to be in perfect condition and with the original legs.
Sold
H 8.67 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Iconic Space Age Vistosi Murano Orange Pulcino Glass Bird by Alessandro Pianon
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Uccle, BE
This iconic bird has been designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi in Murano in 1962
Art Glass
Murano Glass "Pulcino" Bird, Pianon for Vistosi
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
A "Pulcino" Bird, blue glass body with red stripes on raised copper feet. Design by Alessandro
Copper
Vistosi Pulcino Murano Bird
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Pulcino Murano Bird
Italian Mid-Century Blown Glass Pulcino Bird by Peter Pelzel
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Englewood, NJ
A whimsical Italian Mid-Century Modern art glass Orange "Pulcino" (chick) bird designed by, Peter
Art Glass
Alessandro Pianon Bird "Pulcino" for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Lynn, MA
Iconic and important Italian glass design by Alessandro Pianon. Orange blown glass mounted on
Copper
Alessandro Pianon Bird "Pulcino" for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Lynn, MA
Iconic and important Italian glass design by Alessandro Pianon. Grayish/Green blown glass mounted
Copper
Vistosi Pulcino Glass Bird by Alessandro Pianon
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Blown glass cube bird by Pianon for Vistosi, circa 1963-1964. Blue-green color with millefiori eyes
Glass
Pulcino Sculpture by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon, unique and beautiful "pulcino" bird sculpture made from textured handblown glass with
Brass
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Pulcino Murano, Italy, circa 1963
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Pymble, NSW
Murano in Italy. Designed by Alessandro Pianon in 1963.
Blown Glass
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Murano Pulcino, Italy, circa 1963
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Pymble, NSW
in Italy. Designed by Alessandro Pianon in 1963. With its original Vistosi paper label.
Copper
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Murano Pulcino, Italy, circa 1963
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Pymble, NSW
. Made by Vistosi at Murano in Italy. Designed by Alessandro Pianon in 1963. With internal applied
Blown Glass
Pulcino Glass bird, Alessandro Pianon, Vetreria Vistosi Murano
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Uccle, BE
condition. Alessandro Pianon was born in Venice in 1931. He returned to vistosi in the early 1960s. He drew
Art Glass
Sold
H 8.25 in W 4.5 in D 4.25 in
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Murano Pulcino Pulcini Bird Sculpture Rare Form Color
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Murano Pulcino Pulcini bird sculpture rare form color in dark emerald
Blown Glass
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Murano Pulcino Pulcini Full Set of Rare Birds
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Entire set of highly sought after Murano Birds designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Circa 1960
Glass
Sold
H 11.23 in W 3.55 in D 5.52 in
Pulcino Glass Bird, Alessandro Pianon, Vetreria Vistosi Murano, 'Italy'
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Uccle, BE
Glass bird standing on copper feet, designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano in 1962. Its
Blown Glass
Sold
H 8.5 in W 4 in D 4.5 in
Mid-Century Italian Blown Glass Pulcino Bird by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Englewood, NJ
A rare Italian Mid-Century Modern art glass "Millefiore Pulcino" bird designed by, Alessandro
Blown Glass
Alessandro Pianon, a Pulcino Glass Bird for Vistosi, Murano, 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
glass birds created by Alessandro Pianon and made by the Vistosi glassworks on the island of Murano, off
Copper
Sold
H 7 in W 7 in D 7 in
Midcentury Set of Five Pulcini 'Pulcino' Glass Birds, Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Englewood, NJ
designed by, Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi, circa 1962. The birds each are different in shape
Copper
Sold
H 8.25 in W 4.25 in D 4.5 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Art Glass "Pulcino" Birds by, Alessandro Pianon
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Englewood, NJ
, Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi, circa 1962. The birds each are different in shape, color, texture
Copper
Pulcino Glass Bird by Allesandro Pianon Vistosi Murano
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fantastic glass bird (Pulcino) by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi Murano, circa 1970s. The
Glass
Sold
H 8.67 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Iconic Space Age Vistosi Murano Orange Pulcino Glass Bird by Alessandro Pianon
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Uccle, BE
iconic bird has been designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi in Murano in 1962. Similar
Art Glass
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino Bird Sculpture Vistosi Murano
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Great square form Vistosi Bird with decorative murrines designed by Alessandro Pianon.
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino Bird Sculpture Vistosi Murano
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A fine J-haped bird designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, circa 1960s.
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Murano Pulcino Bird
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Wonderful Pulcino bird designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi. Murrine glass and murrine eyes on
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano Pulcino Bird
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Vibrant orange Pulcino bird by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi.
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano Pulcino Bird
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Murano J shaped bird designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi. Retains its original label.
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano Pulcino Bird
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Cube shaped bird by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi. Retains two original labels. My favorite form
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano Pulcino Bird Sculpture
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Hard to find form -- Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi murano sculpture.
Alessandro Pianon J Shaped Murano Pulcino Bird by Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Great J shaped Vistosi Pulcino bird designed by Alessandro Pianon.
Sold
H 9.5 in W 5.75 in D 6.25 in
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano Pulcino Bird Sculpture, circa 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano sculptural bird sculpture. Iconic Mid-Century Modern design.
Blown Glass
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Murano Pulcino Bird
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Amazing Vistosi Pulcino bird in square form with murrines.
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi "Pulcino" Murano Glass Bird Sculpture
By Vistosi
Located in Atlanta, GA
designed by Alessandro Pianon. Handblown glass with Murine eyes and copper feet. Hard to find solid
Orange Vistosi Murano Pulcino Bird Sculpture for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Vistosi Pulcino sculpture designed by Alessandro Pianon.
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino Bird Sculpture Vistosi Murano
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Great J form Pulcino sculpture by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi.
$5,240
H 17.33 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Art Deco Style Table Lamp PLUIE Monkey with Umbrella by Max Le Verrier, France
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco style lamp monkey with umbrella PLUIE by Max Le Verrier. Patinated metal on marble base, frosted glass umbrella shade. Design 1927. Posthumous contemporary cast at the Le...
Marble, Metal
Murano Hand Blown Chartreuse Green Glass Chandelier, in stock
Located in Miami, FL
Murano hand blown studio glass chandelier, in stock All different shaped chartreuse green discs with white details, rigadin technique Brass plated structure with 24 exposed brass reg...
Brass
$1,696Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 4.15 in W 5.35 in D 7.75 in
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Verdigris Patinated Outdoor Sconce
By Örsjö Industri AB, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' verdigris patinated outdoor sconce. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed in rich v...
Metal
$9,035
H 118.12 in W 35.44 in D 15.75 in
Franco Albini Modular bookcase model "LB7" Production Poggi Pavia 1957
By Franco Albini
Located in Vigevano, PV
Franco Albini Modular bookcase model "LB7" Production Poggi Pavia 1957 This bookcase has two storage modules, one divided into 4 sections and the other with a shelf. Plus two shelves...
Aluminum
$10,842
H 118.12 in W 35.44 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury LB7 modular bookcase designed by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy 1957
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular bookcase model LB7 designed by Franco Albini for Poggi. Marked Poggi Pavia. An extremely flexible bookcase, with different modular options, suited to being against a wall or...
Wood
$1,275 / item
H 15 in W 13.5 in D 6 in
JENNY Large Wall Light or Sconce in Enamel & Brass by Blueprint Lighting
By Stilnovo, Blueprint Lighting, Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Introducing Jenny, the latest vintage-inspired fixture from Blueprint Lighting. Named for multi-hyphenate Jenny Mollen; NYT best-selling author, actress, design enthusiast, mom of ...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
$187,500
H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in
Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet
Located in Houston, TX
Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...
Glass, Mahogany
$4,611
H 32.88 in W 37.41 in D 16.93 in
Arne Wahl Iversen Bureau Desk Danish Mid Century Teak 1960s MCM Scandinavian
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous, rare and super-stylish Mid Century bureau secretaire desk by a top Danish designer in lovely vintage condition. Designed by the much-heralded Arne Wahl Iversen and made i...
Teak
$1,216Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.67 in W 11.03 in D 5.91 in
Hand Ceramic Abstract Horse Sculpture Decorative Ancient Pixiu Glazed Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
Turquoise Blue Hand Ceramic Abstract Horse Sculpture Decorative Ancient Pixiu Glazed Home Decor In tradition Anahita, the Persian goddess associated with water, fertility, and wisd...
Gold Plate, Brass
$24,500
H 9.75 in Dm 4.75 in
Pablo Picasso Signed Limited Madoura Pottery Chouetton Owl Vase A.R. 135, 1952
By Pablo Picasso
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, original Mid-Century Madoura pottery vase by renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso titled "Chouetton (Young Wood Owl)". The work, which features two distinct owl faces,...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
$144,565Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.01 in Dm 5.91 in
Rare and Important Mosaico vase Vetreria Artistica Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Rare and Important Mosaico vase Vetreria Artistica Barovier Italy, c. 1924 fused and blown polychrome glass murrine Signed Ercole Barovier 100% authentic, proven by the expert Gianc...
Murano Glass
$17,500
H 77.5 in W 40 in D 16 in
Chinese Peranakan Inlaid Hardwood Pagoda Display Cabinet, Early 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An impressive pagoda form carved hardwood display cabinet with bone and boxwood inlay, crafted for the Peranakan (Straits-Chinese) community in Southeast Asia, mostly likely Malaysia...
Bone, Hardwood, Boxwood
Alessandro Pianon Blown Glass Fish
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An Alessandro Pianon blown glass fish Created at Vistosi in Murano, Italy Light Blue Translucent Glass Highlighted by Hand -crafted Murrines.
Art Glass
Atelier Borsani Varedo big chandelier from the 1940s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Arredamenti Borsani
Located in Vigevano, PV
Important chandelier from the 1940s produced by Arredamenti Borsani Varedo Lacquered wood, gilded carved wood with gold leaf, brass, cut crystal.
Brass
$150,000 / set
H 105 in W 136 in D 46 in
Rare and Stunning Empire Mahogany Curved Desk and Bookshelf, 19th Century French
Located in New Orleans, LA
This very unusual pairing features a curved desk and a curved bookshelf with a variety of decorative elements on each. It is quite rare to find curved antique items of large furnitur...
Marble, Bronze, Gold
Monumental Antique Rococo Style Carved Giltwood Mirror
Located in London, GB
Monumental antique Rococo style carved giltwood mirror French, 19th Century Height 294cm, width 226cm, depth 20cm This large giltwood mirror is an impressive decorative piece rich ...
Giltwood
The work of renowned glass artist Alessandro Pianon — which includes his lighthearted “Pulcini” birds as well as the other Pianon glass birds, with their bulbous forms and lanky legs of textured patinated copper — is very popular with lovers of art glass.
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, 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. 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 glassblowing techniques and designed a series of collections for the company (the maker’s “Pulcini” bird sculptures are particularly well-known). He perfected his unique style during the mid-century era, 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.
Pianon established his own studio in 1962. And while he created a range of decor and lighting for Vistosi, Candle, Lumenform and other makers over the course of his career, Pianon's playful glass birds, which introduce cheeriness and striking pops of color into any interior, are his most sought-after designs.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Alessandro Pianon lighting and decorative objects.
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.