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.
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 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
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
20th Century, Alessandro Pianon Pair of Colored Chandeliers for Vistosi, 60s
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
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
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
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
Lampadario Anni 60
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Lampada a soffitto in metallo cromato e vetro. Buone condizioni
Metal
$731Sale Price|34% Off
H 4.73 in W 2.56 in D 4.53 in
Oiva Toikka, Sieppo, Bird, Nuutajarvi / Iittala, 1990s
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Oiva Toikka, Iittala
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description: On offer here is a reprinted version of Sieppo with legs, manufactured in 1995 by Oiva Toikka. The early footed Sieppo was created in many color variations, bu...
Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Alessandro Pianon Murano Glass Candleholder for Vistosi, Italy, 1950s
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Milan, IT
Alessandro Pianon Murano glass candleholder for Vistosi, Italy, 1950s. Alessandro Pianon light brown Murano glass candleholder. Reference Do...
Murano Glass
$1,680
H 37.01 in Dm 13.78 in
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
$1,515Sale Price|20% Off
H 42.13 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
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
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, free of any chips, cracks, or repairs "Pulcini" Bird (c.1963)
Art Glass
Pair of Venetian/Murano Barbini Turquoise Exotic Bird Sculptures
By Alfredo Barbini
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a matched pair of hand blown, tall and fanciful Murano "Birds Of Paradise" or Exotic Birds which stand a rare 16 1/2" tall! Cased with clear crystal over a fabulous color com...
Crystal
Kyohei Fujita 'Dream' Blown Glass Box
By Kyohei Fujita
Located in New York, NY
Kyohei Fujita exquisite molded hexagonal Liuli blown glass box with gold and silver leaf inclusions, Japan, 1995. Etched signature 'Kyohei Fujita' to underside. Literature: Fin Lyn...
Glass
$2,900 / set
H 15.5 in Dm 4 in
Pair Mid-Century Modern Yellow Vistosi Pendant Lights, Murano Glass, 1960
By Vistosi
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of tall slender yellow cased glass Vetreria Vistosi pendant lights circa 1960. Unusual elongated triangular bottle form. Each takes a single Edison screw lightbulb and is fitted...
Murano Glass
$22,192
H 19.3 in Dm 11.03 in
Soldato Di Vetro Glass and 18k Gold Sculpture by Alessandro Mendini for Venini
By Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in murano, IT
"The fine, elongated and ambiguos shape of their eyes on the colored background has them looking thoughtfully at our complicated world. The similar shape of their mounth hints at a w...
Gold
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
Alessandro Pianon Rare Hand Blown Glass Bird for Vistosi Murano 1963
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare hand blown glass bird, Pulcini Series, green with red and blue murrhines with copper feet by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, Murano Italy, ca...
Copper
Alessandro Pianon Vistosi Pendant Lamp, Italy, 1960
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly decorative long tube pendant lamp designed by Alessandro Pianon and manufactured by Vistosi, Italy, 1960. This blown glass lamp has a very nice sea green color and whit inside...
Blown Glass
Murano Glass Pendant by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, 1962
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pendant designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi in 1962. Encased Murano glass shade with nickel-plated metal cup. Adjustable height.
Metal
Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Lamp
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in New York, NY
Large-scale table lamp by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi. Rare table lamp comprised of opaque white and blue/gray glass elements. Pedestal form with large bowl and covered d...
Vistosi Pendants, pair.
By Vistosi, Alessandro Pianon
Located in New York, NY
Pair of handblown glass pendants by Alessandro Pianon for Vetreria Vistosi. Beautiful onion shaped glass forms of brilliant orange with white interiors. Joined at the top by a brass...
Pulcino Sculpture by Alessandro Pianon
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare, beautiful and finely rendered handblown glass bird by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi, having a squared body with internal murrines perched upon delicate hand-cut brass legs.
Brass
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 applied hand-cut Millefiore eyes, perched on feet crafted of gilt blackened copper.
Brass
Vistosi Alessandro Pianon pendant Lamp in orange glass 1960
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice long pipe pendant lamp, we have a matching pair of orange available and a red & blue one. Ask us for options. All lamps are in perfect working condition. Please cont...
Blown Glass