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.
21st Century Idria Medium Glass Vase in Indigo/Milk-White by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The Ancient Greek water vessel sheds its skin, as terracotta gives way to glass, thanks to VENINI. Its design speaks of bygone days and rhythms, bringing them back to life: timeless ...
Glass
21st Century Monofiore Glass Vase in Tea by Laura de Santillana
By Venini, Laura de Santillana
Located in murano, IT
Different shapes, different colours. But all bursting with energy. Their caps recall the shapes and patterns of nature. Every Monofiore by Laura De Santillana is unique: a small prec...
Glass
21st Century Doge Shape 2 Long Chandeliers in Straw-Yellow
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in murano, IT
From the Latin term "dux", meaning "duke" or "commander", the Doge was the chief magistrate and leader of La Serenissima. Today his authority is celebrated in glass, in hues of Cryst...
Glass
21st Century Blown Glass Balloton Table Lamp in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The latest re-edition features bright new elements, complex shapes and different uses. But it stays true to the Balloton technique, which lends a unique ...
Blown Glass
21st Century Sasso Table Lamp in Concrete/Grey/Straw-Yellow by Mimmo Rotella
By Venini, Mimmo Rotella
Located in murano, IT
As heavy as a rock but made from glass: Sasso is a colorful creation by Mimmo Rotella in tones of Straw Yellow, Grey and Concrete. A whimsical interplay of little colour spots, clash...
Glass
21st Century Fischione Sculpture in Black by Toni Zuccheri
By Toni Zuccheri, Venini
Located in murano, IT
The male has darker feathers, while the female features bright accents of colour, but they both have a skilfully ground black head. The two wigeon specimens designed by Toni Zuccheri...
Glass
21st Century Triedri Small Chandeliers in Amber Yellow / Crystal by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
From 1958 to 1960, the Fornace has witnessed the encounter between geometry and art with Triedri. Structures designed based on clear rules trap light inside thin strips of glass with...
Glass
21st Century Anni Trenta Large Glass Vase in Pale Straw by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Designed in 1930, this blown glass creation flaunts essential, sinuous and well-balanced lines. As a tribute to the Golden Age, it reflects a "return to order...
Blown Glass
21st Century Diamantei Small Chandeliers in Améthyste / Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Exquisitely Baroque in style, regal in appearance, and available in a variety of sizes and colors, it is the undisputed star of any setting. A series of alternating soft and sharp cu...
Glass
21st Century Veronese Glass Vase in Crystal/Grey by Vittorio Zecchin
By Vittorio Zecchin, Venini
Located in murano, IT
From «The Annunciation» by Paolo Veronese to the Fornace (Kiln): a wonderful journey for this fine vase by Vittorio Zecchin. A complex shape, curved beyond imagination: Veronese defi...
Glass
21st Century Balloton Ceiling Lamp Shape 2 in Tea by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The latest re-edition features bright new elements, complex shapes and different uses. But it stays true to the Balloton technique, which lends a unique texture – pleasant to the eye...
Glass
21st Century Gio Ponti 99.80 3-Light Wall Sconce in Multicolour
By Venini, Gio Ponti
Located in murano, IT
A work of art. More than that, a myth. Gio Ponti 99.80 owes its undisputed modernity and originality to the boundless creativity of its creator, Gio Ponti. Its uniqueness lies in its...
Glass
21st Century Labuan Glass Vase in Milk-White by Venini Riedizione
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Drawing inspiration from exotic destinations in the Far East, Paolo Venini opted for a rich and intense color palette to present the Labuan vase to the world, sure to impress. A jour...
Glass
21st Century Anni Trenta Luce Small Wall Light in Milk-White by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Art Nouveau, Charleston, the dawn of a new design era. The 1930s, celebrated by VENINI in 1997 and wistfully recalled with essential and innovative shapes like those that marked the ...
21st Century Veliero Floor Lamp in Crystal/Milk-White by Tadao Ando
By Tadao Ando, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Veliero comprises 6 modular elements; the simplicity of the original square remains unchanged, and is actually enhanced by the encounter with the other elements, expressing itself in...
Glass
21st Century Abat-Jour Table Lamp in Amber Yellow/Red/Tea by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The light turns on and precious glass pearls start shining, brightening up the space with their intense hues. Every single sphere is crafted using the special "Balloton" technique, f...
Glass
21st Century Martinengo 32-Light Chandeliers in Crystal by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Paolo Venini created this three-tier chandelier with elliptical arms in 1930, one of the largest ever made by VENINI. It is the undisputed star of any interior décor. Martinengo is a...
Glass
21st Century Opalino Small Glass Vase in Sapphire 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
21st Century Blown Glass Balloton Table Lamp in Aquamarine by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The latest re-edition features bright new elements, complex shapes and different uses. But it stays true to the Balloton technique, which lends a unique ...
Blown Glass
21st Century Black Belt Ovale Medium Glass Vase in Black/Crystal/Grass Green
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Appealing to the eye, to the touch and to the mind. This work by Peter Marino was designed to be the most provocative one in the Fornace (Kiln). Striking beauty. The Triangolo collec...
Glass
21st Century Occhi Large Glass Vase in Coral/Crystal by Tobia Scarpa
By Tobia Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Tobia Scarpa creates a fine exchange of glances: glass lenses with thin coloured rims form an interplay of softly rounded volumes. Tall or short, rounded or slender, this vase never ...
Glass
21st Century Gemme Glass Vase in Violet by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
In the expert hands of the blowers, glass turns into precious gemstones of various colours – Green, Grass Green, Purple, Red, Aquamarine, Sapphire, Tea and Grey. Unique and sparkling...
Glass
21st Century Argea Small Table Lamp in Milk-White by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Through the power of fire, glass encloses silver or golden leaves, glowing brightly and creating unique optical illusions that evoke the sea. Argea shines its inner light, and become...
Glass
21st Century Ando Time Hourglass in Crystal/Grape/Red by Tadao Ando
By Tadao Ando, Venini
Located in murano, IT
An austere face, halfway between ancient and modern, strong and fragile. Giotto by Alessandro Mendini is a winged lord who is destined to hold our gaze. A psychic being whose narrow ...
Glass
21st Century Clessidra Hourglass in Indigo/Orange by Fulvio Bianconi E Paolo
By Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1957, Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini captured time and shaped it into Clessidr...
Glass
21st Century Esprit Extra Small Chandeliers in Amber Yellow/Crystal by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Viewers feel compelled to touch every single petal of its flowers and every single point of its stars, to make sure they’re real. Esprit conveys the power of nature and of light. Esp...
Glass
21st Century Ando Time Hourglass in Amber Yellow/Light Pink/Violet by Tadao Ando
By Tadao Ando, Venini
Located in murano, IT
A colorful hourglass enclosed in glass. Space meets time in its architecture. The sand flow carries with it the thoughts of the past and the future that Tadao Ando wished to capture. Additional Information: Material: Glass Color: Amber Yellow/Light Pink/Violet Dimensions: W 13.5 x D 13.5 x H 54 cm Available in other color options: Grey/light pink,/red...
Glass
21st Century Opalino Medium Glass Vase in Milk-White 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
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
21st Century Fazzoletto Small Glass Vase in Horizon by Fulvio Bianconi E Paolo
By Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in murano, IT
An exclusive new take on the Opalini technique from the 15th century makes its colour unique. The creative genius of Fulvio Bianconi makes its shape inimitable, recalling skirts sway...
Glass
21st Century Satin Large Glass Vase in Tea/Crystal by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Sheer glass is hand-blown and crafted by the master glassblowers using the sophisticated Satinatura technique, which lends it the exquisite opaque appearance to which it owes its nam...
Glass
21st Century Monofiori Balloton Large Glass Vase in Red/Sapphire by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
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 special technique that lends a unique matelassé effect to...
Glass
21st Century Fazzoletto Large Vase in Apple Green by Fulvio Bianconi E Paolo
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini
Located in murano, IT
An exclusive new take on the Opalini technique from the 15th century makes its colour unique. The creative genius of Fulvio Bianconi makes its shape inimitable, recalling skirts sway...
Glass
21st Century Monofiori Balloton Extra Large Glass Vase in Aquamarine/Red
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
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 special technique that lends a unique matelassé effect to...
Glass
21st Century Fazzoletto Small Glass Vase in Green Rio by Fulvio Bianconi E Paolo
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini
Located in murano, IT
An exclusive new take on the Opalini technique from the 15th century makes its colour unique. The creative genius of Fulvio Bianconi makes its shape inimitable, recalling skirts sway...
Glass
21st Century Monofiori Balloton Extra Small Glass Vase in Indigo/Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
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 special technique that lends a unique matelassé effect to...
Glass
21st Century Satin Large Glass Vase in Blood Red/Crystal by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Sheer glass is hand-blown and crafted by the master glassblowers using the sophisticated Satinatura technique, which lends it the exquisite opaque appearance to which it owes its nam...
Glass
21st Century Opalino Medium Glass Vase in Amber 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
21st Century Idria Small Glass Vase in Amber by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The Ancient Greek water vessel sheds its skin, as terracotta gives way to glass, thanks to VENINI. Its design speaks of bygone days and rhythms, bringing them back to life: timeless ...
Glass
21st Century Opalino Large Glass Vase in Rosa Cipria 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
21st Century Monofiori Balloton Large Glass Vase in Blood Red/Green Rio
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
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 special technique that lends a unique matelassé effect to...
Glass
Murano blown glass contemporary pendant light design by Peter Marino for VENINI
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in murano, IT
PARALLELO 893.76 Peter Marino’s work is notoriously provocative. The Rotondo, Cilindro, and Parallelo lamps are no exception: using the “Fasce” technique, the artist hot-works colour...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Carlo Scarpa Venini acid stamped Murano glass "filigrane" tall vase circa 1950
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Carlo Scarpa VENINI Murano glass tall "filigrane" vase circa 1950.
Murano Glass
Italian modern Round vase in red and blue Murano glass by Venini 1990s
By Venini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Round vase in red and blue Murano glass by Venini 1990s Fantastic and vintage round base vase in blue Murano glass, textured with rhombuses. In the upper part it has a...
Murano Glass
Kukinto Vases Collection by Timo Sarpaneva for Venini 1991
By Venini, Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
The skirt of a dancer. A Nordic blossom moving in the wind. The colours of these works chase, touch and sometimes merge on the waves created by the breath of a master glassmiths. Wit...
Murano Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.29 Large Ginkgo Biloba - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.29 - Large Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.29 Large Sapphire - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.29 - Large Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.18 Medium Sapphire - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.18 - Medium Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton Frozen 100.29 Large Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.29 - Large Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton Frozen 100.16 Small Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton Frozen 100.16 - Small Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Mura...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.18 Medium Apple Green - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.18 - Medium Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.16 Small Apple Green - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.16 - Small Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.29 Large Acquamare - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.29 - Large Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.18 Medium Acquamare - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.18 - Medium Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.16 Small Acquamare - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.16 - Small Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.16 - Small Amber - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Monofiori Balloton 100.16 - Small Collection: Monofiori Balloton Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glas...
Glass
Venini Labuan 706.63 Medium Lattimo - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Labuan 706.63 Collection: Labuan Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glass vase. Stories and mysteries o...
Glass
Venini Labuan 706.63 Medium Indigo - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Collection: Labuan 706.63 Made in: Italy Add an artistic touch to your home with this iconic Murano glass vase. Stories and mysteries of the Orient c...
Glass
Venini Deco 707.07 Medium Ginkgo Biloba Glass Vase Napoleon Martinuzzi Damiani
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Napoleon Martinuzzi Model: Deco 707.07 - Medium Collection: Deco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Mur...
Glass
Venini Riflessi 793.91 Medium - Glass Vase - design Michela Cattai - Damiani
By Michela Cattai, Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Michela Cattai Model: Reflections 793.91 - Medium Collection: Reflections Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this i...
Glass