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.
Set of five “Pulcini” glass birds by Alessandro Pianon, Vetreria Vistosi Murano
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Uccle, BE
Set of five “Pulcini” glass birds by Alessandro Pianon. Rare set of five blown glass birds resting on their hammered copper legs. These are th...
Copper
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino' blue bird Execution Vetreria Vistosi 1962
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Vigevano, PV
Alessandro Pianon Chick' blue bird Execution Vetreria Vistosi 1962
Copper
Alessandro Pianon Pulcini Glass Bird
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An Orange Pulcini Bird Designed by Alessandro Pianon and manufactured by Vistosi c. 1963o Smooth surface with copper legs. Minor carbon black spot, whi...
Art Glass
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 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
Green Murano Glass Pendant Lamp by Alessandro Pianon, for Vistosi, Italy, 1960s
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This fantastic pendant lamp was designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi in Italy in the 1960s. It has a white opaline glass inner chalice, surrounded with a green Murano glass shel...
Metal
Pulcino by Alessandro Pianon, Vetreria Vistosi Murano
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Uccle, BE
Sculpture of a bird in blown glass, composed of an orange glass sphere with a textured surface evocative of the bird’s plumage. The eyes are rendered with two hot-applied murrines. D...
Blown Glass
Alessandro Pianon Pulcini Bird Sculpture Vistosi Murano Mid Century Modern Italy
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Iconic, rare mid century modern masterpeice Alessandro Pianon Pulcini bird sculpture designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano c...
Copper
L 59 Large Glass Pendant by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Large Model L 59 glass pendant designed in the 1960s by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi in Murano. The glass is white, with a ring of vertical colored stripes of about 15 c...
Metal
$13,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
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 Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi. The pulcino is on raised copper feet and decorated with ap...
Copper
Alessandro Pianon ‘Pulcino’ for Vistosi, 1962
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Sittard, LI
This Pulcino bird was designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi in 1962. Hand-blown in bright orange-red Murano glass and set on hammered copper legs, it ...
Copper
Alessandro Pianon Bird (pulcino) for Vistosi
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Brussels, BE
Great Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Murano art glass bird. Iconic design. Fine and good condition, free of any chips, cracks, or repairs "Pulcini" Bird (c.1963)
Art Glass
Large Midcentury Glass Pendant by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
By Gino Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare double layered opaline glass white/orange. Designed in 1956 by Alessandro Pianon for Gino Vistosi. Dimension shade only: Height 40 x Ø 45 cm.
Glass
$2,242Sale Price|20% Off
Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi, Murano Glass Gray Cased Lattimo Suspension, Murrina
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This is the version from Vistosi with the big murrina in the center of the body. Designed by Alessandro Pianon. Made in lattimo opaline glass cased over with taupe gray. Mouth-blow...
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Hanging Lamp Model ui by Vistosi, Design by Alessandro Pianon, 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Oirlo, LI
This striking orange pendant lamp, often referred to as the “Onion” model due to its elegant, rounded silhouette, is a true example of classic Murano craftsmanship. Mouth-blown by sk...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Yellow & White Murano Glass Pendant Lamp by A. Pianon for Vistosi, 1960s
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This pendant lamp was produced approximately in the 1960s. It is made of metal structure with a beatiful "incamiciato" Murano glass shade in yellow and white color. Pretty good condi...
Brass
Yellow Glass Pendant by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, 1960s
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Yellow Model L 63 glass pendant designed in the 1960s by Alessandro Pianon for Venetian glassmaker Vistosi. The glass is subtle and still in beautiful vintage condition. The metal c...
Metal
$1,495Sale Price|20% Off
Vistosi Chandelier in Murano Colored Glass 60's
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in bari, IT
Alessandro Pianon Murano Murano Glass Pendant Element. 60s. Inside is covered by a thin layer of white opal glass to spread a warm and soft light. It is in perfect original condition...
Brass
1960s Alessandro Pianon Lumenform Italy Ceiling Lamp in Glass
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Biella, IT
Alessandro Pianon ceiling lamp glass by Lumenform Italy design years 60 Perfect vintage condition a, diameter 15 inches and height 40 inches.
Metal, Aluminum
Murano Pendant Lamp by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This pendant lamp was designed by Alessandro Pianon for the Italian manufacturer Vetreria Vistosi in 1962. This glass lamp is composed of two Murano glass pieces that support each o...
Glass, Murano Glass
Important CEILING LIGHT FIXTURE in MURANO GLASS by ALESSANDRO PIANON, ITALY 1960
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant pendant light, Modernist, Free-Form, Shabby-Chic, with a tapered design of great finesse, in orange Murano glass suspended by an iron wire leaving the electric wire floati...
Brass
$2,043Sale Price / set|28% Off
Two Pendant Fixtures by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, Murano, Italy
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Weesp, NL
Two late 1950s handblown satin finished pendant lamps designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, Murano - Italy. Both lamps are in perfect condition. Measurements: H 47 x D 13 cm. Ea...
Blown Glass
Large L 72 Glass pendant by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Large Model L 72 glass pendant designed in the 1960s by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi in Murano. The lamp is in very good vintage condition and comes with the original metal ceiling cap...
Metal
20th Century Alessandro Pianon Murano Glass Pendant Lamp for Vistosi, Yellow
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Turin, Turin
Alessandro Pianon (1931-1964) studied architecture at the University of Venice and in 1956 started working for Vistosi, designing its brand. In 1962 Alessandro opened his own design...
Brass
Mid-Century Postmodern Glass Bowl by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Italian Postmodern Glass Bowl by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional info...
Glass
$5,626Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four Lights by Alessandro Pianon, Murano, 1960
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Budapest, HU
Four fabulous glass of Alessandro Pianon. The glasses are also available for the same color compositions.
Blown Glass
20th Century Alessandro Pianon Murano Glass Pendant Lamp for Vistosi, Lilac
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Turin, Turin
Alessandro Pianon (1931-1964) studied architecture at the University of Venice and in 1956 started working for Vistosi, designing its brand. In 1962 Alessandro opened his own design...
Brass
c. 1960 Blue Lattimo Pendant Lamp by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Dekalb, IL
This mid-century pendant lamp features a tall, flared form executed in vivid blue lattimo glass, distinguished by its opaque body and broad, disk-like lower rim. The shade is punctua...
Art Glass
Alessandro Pianon Murano Glass Candleholder for Vistosi, Italy, 1950s
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Milan, IT
Alessandro Pianon Murano glass candleholder for Vistosi, Italy, 1950s. Alessandro Pianon light brown Murano glass candleholder. Reference Do...
Murano Glass
$4,905 / item
Ceiling Lamp by Alessandro Pianon, 1965
By Candle, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Berlin, DE
Model 'a 324 Ischia' Nickel-plated brass, opaline glass Dimensions / ø 48cm H.36cm Design / Alessandro Pianon 1965 Manufacturer / Candle Italy Please notice: Set of two, also avail...
Brass, Nickel
20th Century Alessandro Pianon Murano Glass Pendant Lamp for Vistosi, Blue
By Gino Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in St. Leonards-On-Sea, GB
Italian Glass Pendant by Gino Vistosi for Vistosi, 1960s A striking handblown glass pendant designed by Gino Vistosi in Italy during the 1960s. This elegant piece features a vivid b...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Tall Vistosi Murano White and Blue Glass Pendants by Alessandro Pianon, 1960's
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in London, GB
Large elongated Murano blown glass pendants in blue, (Inside is a blown thin inner layer of white opal translucent glass to spread a warm and soft light) white and black. The ellipse...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Red glass pendant by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Red Model L 63 glass pendant designed in the 1960s by Alessandro Pianon for Venetian glassmaker Vistosi. The glass is subtle and still in beautiful vintage condition. The metal ceil...
Metal
White and Orange Murano Glass 1960s Pendant by a. Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This elegant Murano glass pendant is made from a burnished brass structure and two handmade glass elements: An opaline spherical lamp shade and an “incamiciato” orange round shade.
Brass, Aluminum
20th Century Alessandro Pianon Murano Glass Pendant Lamp for Vistosi, Yellow
By Gino Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in St. Leonards-On-Sea, GB
Italian Glass Pendant by Gino Vistosi for Vistosi, 1960s A striking handblown glass pendant designed by Gino Vistosi in Italy during the 1960s. This elegant piece features a vivid y...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Luciano Vistosi Orange pendant in glass
By Luciano Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Brussels, BE
By Alessandro Pianon for Luciano Vistosi, this opaline is made out of orange Murano glass wich diffuses light in a warm and intimate way. Please feel free to contact us for any add...
Murano Glass
Large Cascade Ceiling Lamp by Peter Pelzel for Vistosi, Italy, 1962
By P. Pelzel, Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large cascade ceiling lamp by Italian architect and designer Peter Pelzel for Vistosi, Italy, 1962. Glass shades in grey and smoke glass with bras...
Brass
1960s Alessandro Pianon Lumenform Italy Ceiling Lamp in Glass
By Alessandro Pianon
Located in Biella, IT
Alessandro Pianon ceiling lamp glass by Lumenform Italy design years 60. Perfect vintage condition A, diameter 15 inches height 40 inches.
Metal