Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
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.
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Art Glass
1960s Italian Other Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
1960s Italian Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Art Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Copper
Late 20th Century Hungarian Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Crystal
Early 2000s Italian Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
Early 2000s Italian Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1990s Italian Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Plexiglass
Early 2000s Italian Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Porcelain
Late 20th Century English Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Bronze
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Murano Glass
Early 2000s Italian Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Ceramic
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Copper
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Murano Glass, Murrine
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Copper
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Art Glass, Blown Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Decorative Objects
Art Glass, Blown Glass