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 Diamantei Large Chandeliers in Amber Yellow/Grass Green 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 Diamantei Medium Chandeliers in Amber Yellow/Grass Green 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 Diamantei Large Chandeliers in Satin Grey 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 Muse Glass Sculpture Table Lamp in Milk-White by Fabio Novembre
By Venini, Fabio Novembre
Located in murano, IT
Just like the Metaphysical artists from the early 1900s, Fabio Novembre depicts his muses as faceless figures, intent on not seeing nor hearing the tragic events that dominated the e...
Glass
21st Century Abat-Jour Table Lamp in Améthyste/Violet/Wistaria 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 Clessidra Hourglass in Grape/Light Pink by Paolo Venini
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Clessidra 420.10 Ø14 H30 UV/RS Additional Information: Material: Glass Color: Grape/Light Pink Dimensions: Ø 14 x H 30 cm Available in other color options: Amber/light pink.
Glass
21st Century Opalino Small Glass Vase in Milk-White/Red 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 Extra Small 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 Monofiori Balloton Extra Small 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
21st Century Satin Medium 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 Idria Medium 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 Idria Medium Glass Vase in Horizon 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 Idria Large Glass Vase in Grey/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 Opalino Large Glass Vase in Blood Red/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 Opalino Small Glass Vase in Horizon 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 Large Vase in Aquamarine 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
Tomaso Buzzi, Table lamp, prod. Venini 1981
By Venini, Tomaso Buzzi
Located in Rivoli, IT
Murano glass inverted bell table lamp, Prod. Venini 1981. In shades of blue/verse, with gold leaf inserts. Iconic model by Tomaso Buzzi.
Glass
Murano blown glass contemporary pendant light design by Peter Marino for VENINI
By Peter Marino, Venini
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
Rara coppia di lampade da tavolo mod. "Fungo", Massimo Vignelli, Venini 1955
By Venini, Massimo Vignelli
Located in Rivoli, IT
Rara coppia di lampade da tavolo in vetro opalino bianco a canne larghe in vetro verde Il manufatto, noto anche come "Fungo" o "Zaffiro", fu segnalato al Compasso d'Oro del 1956 La l...
Glass
Simbiosi Wood Glass and Wood Unique Piece by Emmanuel Babled for Venini
By Venini, Emmanuel Babled
Located in murano, IT
Sculpture in clear, opaque pink, straw yellow and bamboo colored glass with gold leaf resting on ebony wood. The process involved begins with the realization of the glass. The hand ...
Blown Glass, Ebony
Venini, Pendant lamp, prod. Venini 1960s
By Venini
Located in Rivoli, IT
Beautiful blue glass chandelier Venini production 1960s
Glass
Large Venini Murano glass gray, black and gold circa 1950 vase
By Venini
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible large VENINI Murano glass gray, black and gold circa 1950 vase.
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
Italian modern Decorative bottle with cap in gray Murano glass by Venini, 1990s
By Venini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Decorative bottle with cap in gray Murano glass by Venini, 1990s Decorative bottle with a square base, in matt gray and transparent Murano glass. The round-based cap h...
Murano Glass
Venini Monofiori Balloton 100.16 Small Purple - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Frozen 100.16 Small Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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, MB
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, MB
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 100.18 Medium Acquamare - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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, MB
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, MB
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 100.18 Medium Amber - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Labuan 706.63 Medium Taupe - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 706.62 Large Lattimo - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Labuan 706.62 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 706.62 Large Blush Pink - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Labuan 706.62 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, MB
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 707.10 Large Ginkgo Biloba - Glass Vase Napoleon Martinuzzi Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Napoleon Martinuzzi Model: Deco 707.10 - Large Collection: Deco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Mura...
Glass
Venini Deco 707.07 Medium Ginkgo Biloba Glass Vase Napoleon Martinuzzi Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Deco 707.08 Small Ginkgo Biloba Glass Vase Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Napoleon Martinuzzi Model: Deco 707.08 - Small Collection: Deco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Mura...
Glass
Venini Deco 707.07 Medium Black - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Deco 707.07 Medium Ginkgo Biloba Glass Vase Napoleon Martinuzzi Damiani
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Deco 707.07 Medium Verde Rio - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi Damiani
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Deco 707.08 Small Green Rio - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Napoleon Martinuzzi Model: Deco 707.08 - Small Collection: Deco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Mura...
Glass
Venini Deco 707.07 Medium Iceberg - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Deco 707.08 Small Pesca - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
Brand: Venini Designer: Napoleon Martinuzzi Model: Deco 707.08 - Small Collection: Deco Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Mura...
Glass
Venini Riflessi 793.91 Medium - Glass Vase - design Michela Cattai - Damiani
By Venini, Michela Cattai
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Venini Tiara 706.66 Ambra/Orizzonte - Glass Vase - Francesco Lucchese - Damiani
By Venini, Francesco Lucchese
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Varedo, MB
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 Opalino 706.24 Large Magenta - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Varedo, MB
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 Varedo, MB
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 Varedo, MB
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 706.24 Large Verde Rio/Gold Leaf/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Varedo, MB
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 Varedo, MB
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 Varedo, MB
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 Opalino 706.24 Large Gold Leaf/Crystal - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Varedo, MB
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 Satin 706.24 Large Horizon/Crystal - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, MB
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 Varedo, MB
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