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.
Venini Tiara 706.66 Ambra/Orizzonte - Glass Vase - Francesco Lucchese - Damiani
By Francesco Lucchese, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Francesco Lucchese Model: Tiara 706.66 Collection: Tiara Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Lavoratrice 782.57 Talpa - Glass Vase - Gregor Lersch - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Gregor Lersch Model: female worker 782.57 Collection: Homo Faber Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Mur...
Glass
Venini Murrine Romane 520.21 design Carlo Scarpa - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Carlo Scarpa Model: Murrine Romane 520.21 Collection: Murrine Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano...
Glass
Venini Murrine Romane 520.20 design Carlo Scarpa - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Carlo Scarpa Model: Roman Murrine 520.20 Collection: Murrine Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano ...
Glass
Venini Murrine Romane 520.22 Carlo Scarpa - Glass Vase Damiani
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Carlo Scarpa Model: Murrine Romane 520.22 Collection: Murrine Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large Magenta - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Art Direction: Studio Marco Piva Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your inte...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium Magenta - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Art Direction: Studio Marco Piva Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your int...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small Magenta - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Art Direction: Studio Marco Piva Model: Opaline 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your inte...
Glass
Venini Satin 706.22 Medium Te/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass...
Glass
Venini Satin 706.38 Small Te/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Satin 706.24 Large Verde Rio/Gold Leaf/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Satin 706.22 Medium Verde Rio/Gold Leaf/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass...
Glass
Venini Satin 706.38 Small Verde Rio/Gold Leaf/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Satin 706.22 Medium Venice Red/Gold Leaf/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass...
Glass
Venini Satin 706.38 Small Venice Red/Gold Leaf/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large Gold Leaf/Crystal - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small Gold Leaf/Crystal - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
21st Century Fazzoletto Glass Bowl in Aquamarine/Milk-White by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Through the gestures of creation, the expert glassblower creates the effect of a small handkerchief blowing in the wind and then delicately turns it upside down. It’s 2017: the Fazzo...
Blown Glass
Venini Satin 706.24 Large Horizon/Crystal - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Satin 706.22 Medium Horizon/Crystal - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass...
Glass
Venini Satin 706.38 Small Horizon/Crystal - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Satin 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Acco 706.70 Ginkgo Biloba/Lattimo - Glass Vase Alessandro Mendini Damiani
By Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Alessandro Mendini Model: Acco 706.70 Collection: Acco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Acco 706.70 Iceberg/Lattimo - Glass Vase Alessandro Mendini - Damiani
By Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Alessandro Mendini Model: Acco 706.70 Collection: Acco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Acco 706.70 Rosa Cipria/Lattimo - Glass Vase Alessandro Mendini - Damiani
By Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Alessandro Mendini Model: Acco 706.70 Collection: Acco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Acco 706.70 Pesca/Lattimo - Glass Vase Alessandro Mendini - Damiani
By Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Alessandro Mendini Model: Acco 706.70 Collection: Acco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
Venini Acco 706.70 Orizzonte/Lattimo - Glass Vase Alessandro Mendini - Damiani
By Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Alessandro Mendini Model: Acco 706.70 Collection: Acco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass ...
Glass
21st Century Opalino Large Glass Vase in Indigo by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The Opalino vase is all about sophisticated and unique colors, thanks to the use of the traditional Opalino technique. This method was first introduced in the 15th century to make gl...
Glass
Venini Bloom 696.03 Black/Crystal - Glass Centerpiece Marco Piva - Damiani
By Marco Piva, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Marco Piva Model: Bloom 696.03 Collection: Bloom Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass center...
Glass
Venini Bloom 696.03 Red/Crystal/Coral Glass Centerpiece Marco Piva Damiani
By Marco Piva, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Marco Piva Model: Bloom 696.03 Collection: Bloom Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass center...
Glass
Venini Bloom 696.03 Acquamare/Corallo - Glass Centerpiece Marco Piva - Damiani
By Marco Piva, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Marco Piva Model: Bloom 696.03 Collection: Bloom Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass center...
Glass
Venini Fazzoletto 700.00 Large Lilla Menta - Glass Vase Fulvio Bianconi - Damian
By Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini Model: Handkerchief 700.00 - Large Collection: Handkerchief Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your int...
Glass
Venini Fazzoletto 700.00 Large Iceberg - Glass Vase Fulvio Bianconi - Damiani
By Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini Model: Handkerchief 700.00 - Large Collection: Handkerchief Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your int...
Glass
Venini Fazzoletto 700.04 Small Iceberg - Glass Vase Fulvio Bianconi - Damiani
By Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini Model: Handkerchief 700.04 - Small Collection: Handkerchief Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your int...
Glass
21st Century Tolboi - Belboi - Stilboi Table Lamp in Milk-White/Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
It rests quietly on its shelf, waiting to shine its light. It’s Belboi. Light passes through Milk White glass, spreading its soft yet strong glow, and revealing the tones of Red and ...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large - Black - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Black - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large - Peach - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium - Peach - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Peach - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large - Iceberg - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium - Iceberg - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Verde Mela - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large - Talpa - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium - Talpa - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Talpa - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large - Paraiba - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium - Paraiba - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium - Sapphire - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Sapphire - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large - Ginkgo Biloba - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium - Ginkgo Biloba - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass vase. The O...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large - Blu Mare - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium - Blu Mare - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Blu Mare - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium - Viola - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Indigo - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.38 - Small Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large - Amethyst - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.24 - Large Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.22 Medium - Amethyst - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Ritagli 552.00 Snow Murano Glass Vase Fulvio Bianconi - Damiani
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Fulvio Bianconi Model: Clippings 552.00 Collection: Clippings Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano...
Glass
Venini Black Belt Plate 699.71 Red Murano Glass Plate Peter Marino - Damiani
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Peter Marino Model: Flat Black Belt 699.71 Collection: Peter Marino Collection Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your home with this ...
Glass