While Venini & Co.'s co-founder, Paolo Venini (1895–1959), was himself a highly talented glassware designer, his true genius was to invite forward-thinking Italian and international designers to Murano’s hallowed workshops to create Venini pieces — among them Gio Ponti, Massimo Vignelli, Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, Thomas Stearns of the United States and Fulvio Bianconi.
Beginning in the 1930s — and throughout the postwar years especially — Venini & Co. played a leading role in the revival of Italy’s high-end glass industry, pairing innovative modernist designers with the skilled artisans who created extraordinary chandeliers, sconces and other lighting in the centuries-old glass workshops on the Venetian island of Murano.
Paolo Venini trained and practiced as a lawyer for a time, though his family had been involved with glassmaking for generations. After initially buying a share in a Venetian glass firm — he and antiques dealer Giacomo Cappellin established Vetri Soffiati Cappellin Venini & C. in 1921 — Venini took over the company as his own in 1925, and under his direction, it produced mainly classical Baroque designs.
In 1932, Venini hired the young Carlo Scarpa— who would later distinguish himself as an architect — as his lead designer. Scarpa, working in concert with practiced glass artisans, completely modernized Venini, introducing simple, pared-down forms; bright primary colors; and bold patterns such as stripes, banding and abstract compositions that utilized cross sections of murrine (glass rods).
Paolo Venini’s best designs are thought to be his two-color Clessidre hourglasses, produced from 1957 onward, and the Fazzoletto (“handkerchief”) vase, designed with Bianconi in 1949. Bianconi’s masterworks are considered by many to be his Pezzato works — colorful vases with patterns that resemble those of a patchwork quilt.
Other noteworthy and highly collectible vintage Venini works include Ponti’s dual-tone stoppered bottles (circa 1948); rare glass sculptures from the Doge series by Stearns, the first American to design for the firm; Vignelli’s striped lanterns of the 1960s; the Occhi vases with eyelet-shaped patterns by Tobia Scarpa (son of Carlo); and, with their almost zen purity, the Bolle (“bubbles”) bottles designed by Wirkkala in 1968.
With these works — and many others by some of the creative titans of the 20th and 21st centuries — Venini has produced one of the truly great bodies of work in modern design.
Find antique and vintage Paolo Venini chandeliers, serveware, table lamps, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Rare Pair of Model "5777" Reticello Wall Sconces by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, 30s
By Carlo Scarpa, Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptionally rare and historically important pair of Murano glass wall sconces designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini during the 1930s, documented in the Venini Luce catalogue as mo...
Brass
Vintage Opaline White Murano Glass Sculptural Vase
By Carlo Nason, Paolo Venini, Luciano Gaspari, Pino Signoretto
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking example of 1970s Italian artistry, this vintage Murano glass vase captures the timeless allure of hand-blown craftsmanship. Rendered in luminous opaline tones, its softly ...
Murano Glass
Large unique mid-century Murano chandelier Poliedri by Carlo Scarpa for Venini
By Carlo Scarpa, Paolo Venini
Located in Eindhoven, NL
A very beautiful, unique and original Murano chandelier designed by Italian architect Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano. With soft yellow, ligt blue and transparent slightly iridescent ...
Metal
Carlo Scarpa for Venini Ceiling Lights, Italy circa 1940s
By Paolo Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Long Island City, NY
Carlo Scarpa for Venini ceiling lights Model 5258 Italy 1940s Handblown glass, brass Exquisite glass making technique. Price is for one light. Five lights are available. FREE US rewi...
Metal
VENINI Opalino 90th vase Green Murano Glass, Signed 2012, handmade in Italy
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Venezia, IT
Venini Opalino 90th anniversary vase, model 706.24, produced in 2012, signed on the base, and accompanied by its original Venini box and paperwork. Unusued and preserved in excellen...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$731Sale Price|25% Off
Venini Bianconi Murano Pink White Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Handkerchief Vase
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown white Zanfirico ribbons with pink and black lines Italian art glass decorative fazzoletto / handkerchief vase. Documented to designer Fulvio Bianc...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Paolo Venini Italian Inciso Amethyst Art Glass Vase c.1955
By Paolo Venini
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Italian Venini mid-century amethyst art glass vase decorated in the ‘Inciso’ pattern and designed by Paolo Venini (Italian, 1895-1959) and dating from around 1955. The ‘...
Blown Glass
Murano Glass Wall Lamp by Paolo Venini, White Spiral Design, 1970
By Paolo Venini
Located in Palermo, IT
A beautiful recessed lamp or wall lamp made in Italy in the 1970s. This beautiful Murano glass, of excellent quality and vibrantly colored, is crafted in white with stunning swirl p...
Brass
Magnificent Art Deco Murano Glass Chandelier by Venini 1940s
By Paolo Venini
Located in Rome, IT
Elegant Venini Art Deco hand blown reticello Murano chandelier with six arms. Six E 27 light bulbs. We can rewire for your country standards. Cleaned and re-wired, in full worki...
Brass
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Apple Green Straw Yellow Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...
Murano Glass
Paolo Venini (1895-1959) - Vase en Verre Soufflé (1953) Certificat
By Paolo Venini
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paolo Venini (1895-1959) - Italian Glass Vase (1953) Type: Blown glass vase Creation Date: 1953 Dimensions: H: 15 cm Ø: 14 cm Colors: Black and red Condition: Perfect condition Cer...
Glass, Art Glass
1 of 3 Pairs Large Brass Gold Murano Glass Wall Lights by Paolo Venini for VeArt
By VeArt, Paolo Venini
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three pairs of light fixtures by Paolo Venini for VeArt, Italy, 1960s. Brass hardware. Several star shaped clear resembles flowers. The fixture illuminates beautifully on ...
Brass
Large Venini Art Glass Vase with Inciso Decoration Paolo Venini, Murano 1956
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Venini Art Glass vase with Inciso Decoration Paolo Venini, Murano 1956 A large vintage art glass vase in notte (night) blue pesante glass ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Large mid-century Venini Murano chandelier 'Trilobo', signed
By Paolo Venini
Located in Eindhoven, NL
An exceptional Venini Murano chandelier, dating from the 1960s–1970s, this impressive lighting fixture is a remarkable example of Italian mid-century design and masterful Murano glas...
Metal
A rare signed Venini Murano glass picture frame
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in London, GB
A very rare Pulegoso Murano glass picture frame designed and produced by the world famous glass house Venini C1938 . Impressed Venini Murano to easle support.
Brass
Paolo Venini Inciso Glass Bottle Manufactured by Venini 1990s
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Paolo Venini Inciso Glass Bottle Manufactured by Venini 1990s A vintage "Inciso" glass bottle designed by Paolo Venini in 1956 and manufactured by...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Morandiana bottle in Venini and Gio Ponti glass for Iveco
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Venini
Located in Busnago, IT
This elegant and refined 1989 Murano glass bottle by Venini is inspired by the paintings of Giorgio Morandi. Conceived in 1956 by Adv. Paolo Venini was made with the collaboration of...
Glass
Italian mid-century modern Murano glass chandelier by Paolo Venini, 1950s
By Paolo Venini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Murano glass chandelier by Paolo Venini, 1950s Chandelier with diffuser composed of numerous shaped strips of Murano glass and smoked glass, which are susp...
Metal
Gigantic Tronchi Chandelier by Toni Zuccheri for Venini, 1960s
By Toni Zuccheri, Paolo Venini
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Gigantic ceiling lamp from Venini & Co. A total of 85 Tronchi glass elements - 71 of which are very large, hand-blown Tronchi glass tubes (30 x 7 cm); these are arranged in 3 rows. I...
Brass
Italian mid-century modern Murano glass chandelier by Paolo Venini, 1950s
By Paolo Venini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Murano glass chandelier by Paolo Venini, 1950s Chandelier with diffuser composed of numerous shaped strips of Murano glass and smoked glass, which are susp...
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Murano Glass Pendant by Paolo Venini, Italy, 1950s
By Paolo Venini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian pendant, chandelier made of hand blown smoked Murano glass designed by Paolo Venini, in good condition. Each glass piece, element of the ceiling ...
Metal
VENINI Opalino 90th vase Red, Gold and White Glass, 2010 Limited Edition 237/399
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Venezia, IT
Special Edition Venini Opalino vase, model 706.23, produced in 2010 as a limited edition of only 399 pieces on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the most famous italian glass F...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Vintage Murano Glass Table Lamp by Paolo Venini, Italy, Circa 1950
By Paolo Venini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sculptural, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian large table lamp made of hand blow smoked Murano glass designed and produced by Paolo Venini, in good condition. The detailed single ...
Metal
Paolo Venini Murano Label Blue Orange Inciso Technique Italian Art Glass Bottle
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, rare double color, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso navy blue and flame orange Italian art glass bottle with stopper. The piece is documented to designer Paolo Venini fo...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
$3,805Sale Price / set|20% Off
Paolo Venini Pair of Antique Pink Opalino Murano Glass Table Lamps for Venini
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Paolo Venini Pair of Antique Pink Opalino Murano Glass Table Lamps for Venini. Acid Etched Signature Venini Murano Italia Measurements of lamp without the lampshade 12.5 x H...
Brass
Italian Murano Glass Blue Drops Chandelier by Paolo Venini
By Paolo Venini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Stunning rare Paolo Venini chandelier with Murano blue glass drops.
Murano Glass
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Paolo Venini Signed Murano Sommerso Blue Inciso Technique Italian Art Glass Vase
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful Murano hand blown Sommerso navy blue Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Paolo Venini for the Venini Company, circa 1950s. It is fully signed with the "Ve...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
Murano Glass Ceiling Pendant in Zanfirico Glass by Venini, Italy circa 1960s
By Paolo Venini
Located in Long Island City, NY
Murano ceiling pendant with zanfirico glass by Venini. Italy, 1960s. Rare and absolutely exquisite glass making technique with unusually large size. Height adjustable. Rewired for US...
Brass
$5,500
Tomaso Buzzi Vase
By Paolo Venini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tomaso Buzzi Vase Manufactured by Venini 3 Line Acid Stamp Catalog model 3439 originally designed in 1935 This example made C. 1955
Art Glass
Pair of Venini "drop" wall lights, 2 levels, Murano glass, Italy, 1970
By Paolo Venini
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb and rare pair of "drop" wall lights by Venini designed and produced in Murano, Italy in the 1970s. Cascading drops spread over two levels ...
Crystal
Venini Fazzoletto Opalino Small Vase in Red Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fazzoletto Opalino Small Vase in Amber Murano Glass by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini. An exclusive new take on the Opalini technique from the 15t...
Murano Glass
Venini Signed Murano Glass Bottle by Gio Ponti with Original Stopper, Italy 1997
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Venini
Located in London, GB
A beautiful ‘a canne’ Murano blue art glass bottle designed by Gio Ponti and made by Venini in Murano, Venice, Italy in 1997. The original design for this piece is by Gio Ponti a...
Art Glass
Art Glass Bottle Morandiana by Gio Ponti for Venini Murano
By Paolo Venini, Gio Ponti
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Art Glass Bottle Morandiana by Gio Ponti for Venini Murano A vintage glass bottle in transparent green glass with blue stopper and a blue base fused in incalmo technique. Designed b...
Art Glass
Vintage Murano Venini Striped Glass Bowl In Lavender Pink and Black, 1960's
By Paolo Venini
Located in North Miami, FL
This Italian Murano Venini unusual vintage mid century modern glass bowl is almost inverted. From the 1960's. It has the original paper foil old sticker on ot that says Made In Italy...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa for Venini ceiling lights, Italy circa 1960s
By Carlo Scarpa, Paolo Venini
Located in Long Island City, NY
Carlo Scarpa for Venini ceiling lights Model 5258 Italy 1940s Handblown glass, brass Exquisite glass making technique. Price is for one light. Four lights are available. FREE US rewi...
Metal
Murano Glass Table Lamp by Paolo Venini, Blue Mushroom Design, Italy
By Paolo Venini
Located in Palermo, IT
This exceptionally beautiful and large vintage Mid-Century Modern mushroom-shaped table lamp was crafted in Italy by the prestigious glassworks Venini & Co. during the 1970s. Designe...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass "Amphora" Pulegoso Vase by Napoleone Martinuzzi for Venini
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Paolo Venini
Located in Roma, RM
Stunning green Pulegoso Murano glass "Urn" vase with applied glass decoration. The base, mouth, decorations and handle were rolled gold gold leaf during hot phase of creation, leavin...
Murano Glass
Gio Ponti for Venini Morandiane Murano Glass Bottle with Stopper, Signed
By Paolo Venini, Gio Ponti
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking Gio Ponti and Paolo Venini for Venini tall “A Canne” striped bottle or decanter with matching stopper. 18” tall. Created in the Venini workshop in Murano Italy, an island ...
Glass, Blown Glass
Venini Fazzoletto Opalino Large Vase in Horizon Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fazzoletto Opalino Large Vase in Amber Murano Glass by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini. An exclusive new take on the Opalini technique from the 15t...
Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa for Venini ceiling light, Italy circa 1940s
By Carlo Scarpa, Paolo Venini
Located in Long Island City, NY
Carlo Scarpa for Venini ceiling light Model 5258 Italy 1940s Handblown glass, steel, aluminum. Exquisite glass making technique. Takes one medium base bulb. Rewired for US with a cus...
Metal
“Inciso” by Paolo Venini, Murano glass vase
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Uccle, BE
“Inciso” by Paolo Venini, Murano glass vase. Blown-glass vase with a finely cut inciso surface, a hallmark of Paolo Venini’s work in the 1950s. Its slender silhouette and soft grey-b...
Blown Glass
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Paolo Venini Spherical Murano Glass and Brass Pendant Light
By Paolo Venini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
This Italian Vintage Murano Glass Pendant Light is a beautiful example of mid-century modern design from the 1960s. Murano glass is known for its high quality and intricate handcraft...
Brass
Venini Art Glass Vase with Inciso Decoration Paolo Venini, Murano 1956
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Venini Art Glass vase with Inciso Decoration Paolo Venini, Murano 1956 A vintage art glass vase in erba pesante (grass green) glass with layered...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
VENINI Opalino 90th vase Gray, Gold and Red Glass, 2011 Limited Edition 76/399
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Venezia, IT
Special Edition Venini Opalino vase, model 706.23, produced in 2011 as a limited edition of only 399 pieces on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the most famous italian glass F...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Venini Art Glass Bowl 'Diamante' by Paolo Venini, Murano 1930s
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Venini Art Glass Bowl 'Diamante' by Paolo Venini, Murano 1930s A rare Venini art glass bowl of the 'Diamante' series. Heavy transparent glass with a ...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Venini Incisi Thin Glass Vase in Marine Blue by Paolo Venini
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Incisi glass vase collection, designed by Paolo Venini and manufactured by Venini, feature an engraved surface. Originally designed in 1956. Numb...
Glass
Murano Ludovico Diaz de Santillana for Venini Ceiling Pendant, Italy circa 1970s
By Paolo Venini, Ludovico Diaz de Santillana
Located in Long Island City, NY
Murano Venini ceiling pendant by Ludovico Diaz De Santillana. Designed and manufactured in Italy in 1970s. Murano glass, brass and plastic glass holder. Overall drop is adjustable, c...
Brass
“Inciso” – Murano glass vase by Paolo Venini - Venini Murano Italy
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Uccle, BE
“Inciso” – Murano glass vase by Paolo Venini. Large oval-section vase in “pesante” midnight blue glass with a darker layer. The exterior body completely incised with a wheel. Referen...
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier by Paolo Venini, Murano Glass, 1960
By Paolo Venini
Located in Lastra a Signa, FI
Rare and unique triedi signature Venini engraved cascade frame chandelier with 14 lights ,designed by Paolo Venini original 60' typical of his architectural aesthetic, where light...
Metal
Large Unique Italian XXL 1960s Pendant Lamp with Murano Glass Flowers by VeArt
By Paolo Venini, VeArt
Located in München, DE
Unique, very rare, huge original 1960s pendant lamp or chandelier. Manufactured by VeArt. Made in Italy. Chromed metal frame with hand blown green tinted to clear Murano glass shades...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Brass Gold Murano Glass Sputnik Light Fixtures by Paolo Venini for VeArt
By Paolo Venini, VeArt
Located in Rijssen, NL
Elegant pair of Murano light fixtures by Paolo Venini for VeArt, Italy, 1960s. Brass stem and hardware and white steel fixture. Several star shaped gold or amber and clear resembles ...
Brass
1970's Pair of Murano Glass Swirl Table Lamps by Paolo Venini
By Murano 5, Paolo Venini
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of two Murano glass table lamps atributed to Paolo Venini. Produced in Italy in the 1970's. New wiring, bulb: E 14
Murano Glass
Vase 'Mosaico Zanfirico' by Paolo Venini, Venice Murano 1954
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vase 'Mosaico Zanfirico' by Paolo Venini, Venice Murano 1954 A vintage art glass vase of the 'Mosaico Zanfirico' serie designed by Paolo Venini, Murano in 1954. The ocean blue glass...
Art Glass
Vintage Venini Murano Glass Wall Sconces, Italy, 1930s
By Paolo Venini
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and rare pair of Venini Murano glass wall lights; the delicate opaline circular glass light is complemented at the top border with the precious reticello technique. The gl...
Brass
Venini Fazzoletto Opalino Medium Vase in Grey Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fazzoletto Opalino medium vase in Horizon Murano glass by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini. An exclusive new take on the Opalini technique from the 15th century makes its color uniqu...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass “Inciso” Bottle (Decanter) with Stopper by Paolo Venini, Murano
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Uccle, BE
Murano Glass “Inciso” Bottle (Decanter) with Stopper by Paolo Venini, Venini, Murano (Italy). Bottle and matching stopper in purple Murano glass, b...
Blown Glass
Murano Art Glass Chandelier by Gio Ponti for Venini 1940s
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Murano Art Glass Chandelier by Gio Ponti for Venini 1940s A magnificent chandelier from Murano, designed in 1946 by Gio Ponti for Venini, Venice. White opaque “lattimo” glass with s...
Murano Glass
Venini Fazzoletto Opalino Small Vase in Amber/Milk White Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fazzoletto Opalino Small Vase in Amber Murano Glass by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini. An exclusive new take on the Opalini technique from the 15th century makes its color unique. ...
Murano Glass
Venini Fazzoletto Sabbiato Medium Vase in Acquamarine Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fazzoletto Opalino medium vase in Horizon Murano glass by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini. A light summer breeze leads us to discover the iconic Venini collection...
Murano Glass
Paolo Caliari for Venini Mauve Glass Chandelier, Italy 1960s
By Paolo Venini, Paolo Caliari
Located in Naples, IT
Rare hanging lamp by Paolo Caliari for Paolo Venini. Designed and manufactured in Italy, circa the 1960s. A striking Venini pendant with brass frame and a mauve murano glass outer s...
Brass