Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
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.
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Art Glass, Opaline Glass, Murano Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Brass, Aluminum
1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Wire
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Chrome
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Blown Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Murano Glass
1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Murano Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-19th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Alessandro Pianon Lanterns
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
