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.
While the company’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.
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 Venini chandeliers, serveware, table lamps, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Contrasto Vase in Crystal and Grape Blown Glass by Michela Cattai
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Sleek and opaque blown glass – crafted using the "Mano Volante" technique – is juxtaposed with a shimmering multifaceted gem made from "cotisso" glass. An interplay that lends character and uniqueness to the work. Glass comes to life in a work that is almost organic. These two pieces by Michela Cattai...
Blown Glass
Venini Monofiore Balloton Large Vase in Grey Ox Blood Thread Murano Glass
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Monofiore Balloton large vase in Amber Murano glass by Venini. It looks soft, but it’s not; it’s glass. The optical illusion of Monofiori by Venini from 1970 lies in its name: Ballot...
Murano Glass
Venini Rare High Society Inciso Shebert Glasses Set of 4
By Ludovico Diaz de Santillana, Venini
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of 4 sherbert High Society glasses circa 1975 by Ludovico Diaz de Santillana for Venini , great condition a rare set to find.
Blown Glass
Fazzoletto Opalino Large Glass Vase in Horizon by Fulvio Bianconi and Venini
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created from the collaboration between Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini, characterized by a soft shape with a graceful wavy lip, always unique, obtained using the free-hand technique...
Glass
Deco Large Vase in Ox Blood Red Glass by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Historic vase designed by Napoleone Martinuzzi in opalino glass characterized by round horizontal ribs. The model is proposed in three shades of color and in three sizes. Rhythm" ...
Glass
$1,375 / item
Venini Idria Large Vase in Amber Murano Glass
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Idria large vase in Amber Murano glass by Venini. The Ancient Greek water vessel sheds its skin, as terracotta gives way to glass, thanks to Venini. Its design speaks of bygone days ...
Murano Glass
$1,375 / item
Idria Large Round Glass Vase in Mint Green by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with round body and angular shaped neck in mint green designed in 2016. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for any room. Also avai...
Art Glass
Venini Monofiore Balloton Large Vase in Red Apple-Green Thread Murano Glass
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Monofiore Balloton Large Vase in Amber Murano Glass by Venini. It looks soft, but it’s not; it’s glass. The optical illusion of Monofiori by Venini from 1970 lies in its name: Ballot...
Murano Glass
$49,434 / item
Venini Martinengo Twenty-Light Chandelier in Crystal
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Majestic chandeliers in handmade-blown glass. Metal: Chromium Plated Color: Crystal 20 lights x max 60W E14 Code: 99.50.01.20.
Blown Glass
Venini Monofiore Balloton Small Vase in Grey Red Thread Murano Glass
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Monofiore Balloton vase in Amber Murano glass by Venini. It looks soft, but it’s not; it’s glass. The optical illusion of Monofiori by Venini from 1970 lies in its name: Balloton, a ...
Murano Glass
Deco Medium Vase in Black Glass by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Historic vase designed by Napoleone Martinuzzi in opalino glass characterized by round horizontal ribs. The model is proposed in three shades of colour and in three sizes. Rhythm"...
Glass
$7,227 / item
Battuti Large Bowl in Cipria Pink Glass
By Ludovico Diaz de Santillana and Tobia Scarpa, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
From the solid blown glass base grow shapes with undulating edges. Transparencies that thicken with furrows and lines carved by the glass masters’ beating of the grindstone. Addit...
Blown Glass
Pair of Triedri Curvati Murano Glass Sconces 1970'
By Carlo Nason, Venini
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing pair of glass sconces or wall lights with four layers of curving “triedri” glass prisms on a brass frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Venini, Italy. A dynamic form, changing ...
Blown Glass
Monofiore Balaton Short Glass Vase in Grey Red Thread Rim by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with full body and textured surface with hexagonal shaped pattern in gold designed in 1970. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for...
Art Glass
$4,081 / item
Incise Glass Bottle in Raspberry by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A multitude of shapes and colours. Every bottle has its own, chosen with care by Paolo Venini in 1956. Skilfully etched to conceal their imaginary content, they pique the curiosity o...
Glass
$9,306 / item
Venini Replicanti Table Light in Red with Glasses
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Replicanti table lamp, designed and manufactured by Venini, features an handmade blown glass body wearing different types of accessories. Limited edition of 99 art pieces. Indoor use...
Blown Glass
Vintage Italian Chandelier in Murano Glass by Toni Zuccheri for Venini
By Venini
Located in Antwerp, BE
Italian Murano glass chandelier by Venini. Italian chandelier from the 1960s, designed by Toni Zuccheri and made by Venini. Hand made Murano glass pieces with cross section, texture...
Metal, Chrome
$20,625 / item
Venini Albrici 6-Arm Chandelier in Gold and Red
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Albrici chandelier, designed and manufactured by Venini, features an handmade and blown glass body and arms. Available in three different versions, with 6 (99.32.01.06), 10 (99.32.01...
Blown Glass
$297 / item
Gemme Triangular Glass Vase in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with shaped body and neck in red designed in 2017. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. Also available in other colors on 1st...
Art Glass
Venini Monifiori Vase Designed by Laura de Santillana
By Venini, Laura de Santillana
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Venini Monifiori Vase Designed by Laura de Santillana Item e7101 A nice vase of the Monofiori Series series designed by Laura de Santillana. Manufactured by Venini Murano Venice. Thi...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Venini Fazzoletto Opalino Small Vase in Sapphire Murano Glass
By Paolo Venini, Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
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
$17,710 / item
Riflessi Large Vase in Multicolor Glass by Michela Catta
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Endless shades of lagoon water enliven, like strokes of paint, the glass surface in all its forms. These unique creations, blown and crafted free-hand with the skilful Canne techniq...
Glass
Deco Small Vase in Ox Blood Red Glass by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Historic vase designed by Napoleone Martinuzzi in opalino glass characterized by round horizontal ribs. The model is proposed in three shades of colour and in three sizes. Rhythm"...
Glass
Bolle Vase in Grass Green, Amber-Yellow and Violet by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A vase turns into a bottle for Tapio Wirkkala. Apple green, yellow and purple. Three distinct spaces of colour that blend together thanks to the "Incalmo" technique, a process by whi...
Glass
Kukinto Short Glass Vase in Multicolor by Timo Sarpaneva
By Timo Sarpaneva, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With grace and harmony, glass appears as if floating in the air. It comes to life and starts to move. It moves from tones of Red to Apple Green and Sapphire blue, before ending on cl...
Glass
Fazzoletto Opalino Large Glass Vase in Red/Apple Green Inside by Fulvio Bianconi
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created from the collaboration between Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini, characterized by a soft shape with a graceful wavy lip, always unique, obtained using the free-hand technique...
Glass
Fazzoletto Opalino Large Glass Vase in Apple Green by Fulvio Bianconi and Venini
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Created from the collaboration between Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini, characterized by a soft shape with a graceful wavy lip, always unique, obtained using the free-hand technique...
Glass
Venini Clessidre Glass Hourglass in Pink and Gray by Fulvio Bianconi
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidre Hourglass, designed by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi, was originally designed in 1957. Available in different colors, the grey / mint green version is a limited edition ...
Glass
Bianconi for Venini Fan Vase
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Italian Art Glass Fan vase, by Flavio Bianconi for Venini, circa 1940's. This example is in excellent, original condition, free of damage or rep...
Art Glass
Venini Fazzoletto Opalino Small Vase in Indigo Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo 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 Ando Time Hourglass in Pink and Straw Yellow by Tadao Ando
By Tadao Ando, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ando time hourglass, designed by Tadao Ando and manufactured by Venini, is a limited edition of 49 art pieces (per color) plus an additional 20 P.d.A. a...
Glass
Venini Medium Black Belt Triangular Glass in Crystal and Black by Peter Marino
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in transparent crystal with black decoration designed by Peter Marino in 2017. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. Also avai...
Art Glass
“Orlo” by Pierre Charpin, set of two Murano glass vases
By Pierre Charpin, Venini
Located in Uccle, BE
“Orlo” by Pierre Charpin, set of two Murano glass vases. Designed by Pierre Charpin for Venini, the Orlo vases are distinguished by their clean lines and architectural silhouette, de...
Blown Glass
Venini Small Argea Table Lamp Straw Yellow with White Shade
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Table lamp handblown glass, with submerged gold leaves. Metal: Gold plated Year of manufacture: 2000 Color: Crystal with gold leaves, shade straw yellow glass Light source: 1 x...
Blown Glass
Venini Chandelier “Calza” Ludovico Diaz de Santillana Murano Glass, 1970, Italy
By Venini
Located in Milano, IT
Exceptional Venini chandelier “Calza” Ludovico Diaz De Santillana Murano glass, 1970, Italy.
Murano Glass
Opalino Glass Vase in Horizon Milk White inside by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with slim, oval shaped body and funnel shaped neck. Featured in aquamarine colored glass. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for a...
Art Glass
Large Venini Vase 'Kukinto', Designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1991
By Venini, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Venini Vase 'Kukinto', Designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1991 A monumental vase from the Kukinto series. Designed in 1991 by Timo Sarpaneva and produced 1992 by Venini, Murano. In...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Venini Deco Glass Vase in Red by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in red designed by Napoleone Martinuzzi in 1930. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. Also available in other colors on 1stdi...
Art Glass
Italian Art Deco Murano glass floor lamp by Tomaso Buzzi for Venini, 1930s
By Tomaso Buzzi, Venini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Art Deco Murano glass floor lamp by Tomaso Buzzi for Venini, 1930s Floor lamp in green and gold lagoon glass. The frame is brass and the decorations are Murano glass. The lam...
Brass
Peter Marino Rotondo Large Ceiling Lamp in Crystal, Tea and Black Murano Glass
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rotondo Murano glass large ceiling lamp in crystal with black and tea bands by Peter Marino for Venini. Bold shades of black blend together with the hues of crystal or tea of the sph...
Murano Glass
Peter Marino Cilindro Large Pendant in Crystal and Black Murano Glass
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cilindro Murano glass large pendant in crystal with black bands by Peter Marino for Venini. Bold shades of black blend together with the hues of crystal or tea of the cylindrical sha...
Murano Glass
Italian Mid Century Modern Chrome Glass Table Lamp Sciolari Venini Murano 1960
By Sciolari Lighting, Venini
Located in Portland, OR
A sleek Mid Century Modern Italian chrome & glass table lamp by Sciolari with Venini glass, circa 1960. The lamp having ten 'cracked ice' glass shades in a circle surrounding one lar...
Chrome
Venini Fazzoletto Sabbiato Medium Vase in Acquamarine Murano Glass
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Paolo 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
Venini Deco Glass Vase in Horizon Blue by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase in horizon blue designed by Napoleone Martinuzzi in 1930. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or statement piece for any room. Also available in other colors...
Art Glass
Venini Fazzoletto Opalino Medium Vase in Amber/ Milk White Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Fazzoletto Opalino medium 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
Monofiore Balaton Sabbiato Short Glass Vase in Grey Red Thread by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with full body and textured surface with hexagonal shaped pattern in gold designed in 1970. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for...
Art Glass
Occhi Vase in Red by Ludovico Diaz de Santillana, Tobia Scarpa
By Venini, Ludovico Diaz de Santillana and Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Occhi vase collection, designed by Tobia Scarpa and manufactured by Venini, consists of three different vases made of crystal murrine and coral glass. Indo...
Glass
Red Italian Venini Art Glass Vase, 1981 8.5" Tall
By Venini
Located in Toledo, OH
Red Venini Italian art glass vase signed and dated 1981. 8.5" tall x 8" in diameter.
Glass
Venini Monofiore Sapphire Blue Glass Vase by Laura de Santillana
By Laura de Santillana, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Monofiori glass vase in sapphire by Laura de Santillana. “Monofiori” blown handmade glass with stoppers in various forms and colors. Item lab...
Blown Glass
Peter Marino Parallelo Medium Pendant in Crystal, Tea and Black Murano Glass
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Parallelo Murano glass medium pendant in crystal with black and tea bands by Peter Marino for Venini. Bold shades of black blend together with the hues of crystal or tea of the recta...
Murano Glass
$4,750
Paolo Venini Inciso Vase
By Venini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very nice example of an underrated series of glass. Acid stamp on the bottom.
Art Glass
$1,507 / item
Opalino Sabbiato Glass Vase in Black by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with slim, oval shaped body and funnel shaped neck. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for any room. It appears in refined colo...
Art Glass
Monofiore Balaton Sabbiato Short Glass Vase in Sapphire Red Thread by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with full body and textured surface with hexagonal shaped pattern in gold designed in 1970. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for...
Art Glass
$1,507 / item
Opalino Sabbiato Glass Vase in Lattimo by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with slim, oval shaped body and funnel shaped neck. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for any room. It appears in refined colo...
Art Glass
$1,309 / item
Deco Medium Vase in Orange by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Historic vase designed by Napoleone Martinuzzi in opalino glass characterized by round horizontal ribs. The model is proposed in three shades of colour and in three sizes. Rhythm"...
Glass
Venini Veronese Glass Vase in Sapphire and Crystal by Vittorio Zecchin
By Vittorio Zecchin, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with cylindrical body and crystal decorative base. Featured in apple green colored class with crystal designed in 1921. Perfect for indoor home decor as container o...
Art Glass
Deco Medium Vase in Red by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Historic vase designed by Napoleone Martinuzzi in opalino glass characterized by round horizontal ribs. The model is proposed in three shades of colour and in three sizes. Rhythm"...
Glass
Opalino Glass Vase in Grey Milk White Inside by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass vase with slim, oval shaped body and funnel shaped neck. Featured in aquamarine colored glass. Perfect for indoor home decor as container or strong statement piece for a...
Art Glass
$1,507 / item
Venini Regina Vase in Gray Glass by Rodolfo Dordoni
By Venini, Rodolfo Dordoni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Regina glass vase in gray by Rodolfo Dordoni. Blown handmade glass vases. Upper part, the crown, is covered by metal leaves. The lower part is gla...
Blown Glass
Venini Incisi Thin Glass Vase in Marine Blue by Paolo Venini
By Paolo Venini, 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