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 Happy Pills 027.29 Glass Sculpture, Yellow Amber & Milk - Fabio Novembre
By Fabio Novembre, Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Design: Fabio Novembre Model: Happy Pills 027.29 Collection: Happy Pills Made in: Italy Create a magical atmosphere with a unique piece of Murano glass. The Happy Pill...
Glass
Venini Happy Pills 027.29 Glass Sculpture Horizon & Pagliesco - Fabio Novembre
By Fabio Novembre, Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Design: Fabio Novembre Model: Happy Pills 027.29 Collection: Happy Pills Made in: Italy Create a magical atmosphere with a unique piece of Murano glass. The Happy Pill...
Glass
Contemporary 21stC Murano Art Glass Vase In Opalescent White By Venini c.2015
By Venini
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A striking contemporary Murano art glass vase by the renowned Venetian glassmakers Venini, dated 2015 and part of their Deco series. This impressive piece is crafted in opalescent wh...
Murano Glass
Italian Murano Glass Chandelier by Ludovico Diaz de Santillana for Venini 1960
By Ludovico Diaz de Santillana, Venini
Located in Asti, Piemonte
A beautiful Murano glass chandelier with painted metal structure designed by Ludovico Diaz de Santillana and produced by Venini in circa 1960.
Metal
Venini large floor lamp ‘Petrolione’, 1960s
By Venini
Located in Parma, IT
Venini large floor lamp model Petrolione in incamiciato opaline Murano glass. In two colors, one element in white glass and one in amethyst glass. Central part in bronze, original el...
Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Tapio Wirkkala for Venini 'Coreani' Vases, circa 1970s
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Parma, IT
Pair of Venini vases "Coreani" design Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1970s. In two-tone blown glass with overlapping spirals. Signature engraved on bottom and Venini label...
Murano Glass
21st Century Anni Trenta Luce Pendant Light in Straw-Yellow 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 ...
Glass
21st Century, Parallelo 893.80 Pendant Light in Black / Crystal by Peter Marino
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in murano, IT
Parallelo 893.80 H 63, 5 CR / NE. Additional Information: Material: glass Colour: black / crystal. Light source: 1 x max 8W LED E14 - dimmable. Finishes: black nickel metal. ...
Glass
21st Century Parallelo 893.82 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal by Peter Marino
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in murano, IT
Parallelo 893.81 H78,5 CR/NE Additional Information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal Light Source: 1 x max 8W LED E14 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dimensions...
Glass
21st Century Campana Candle Holder in Amber by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Candle holder in blown glass finished by hand, it adds a decorative touch to the home, creating magical atmospheres. Using the balloton technique, Venini’s master glassblowers impart...
Blown Glass
21st Century Rotondo Large Pendant Light in Black/Crystal by Peter Marino
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of Black blend together with the hues of Crystal or Tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Parallelo 893.81 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal by Peter Marino
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in murano, IT
Parallelo 893.81 H78,5 CR/NE Additional Information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal Light Source: 1 x max 8W LED E14 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dimensions: W 39 ...
Glass
21st Century Where Are My Glasses, Under Vase in Crystal/Grass Green by Ron Arad
By Ron Arad, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Aquamarine, red and grass green with hints of crystal. Placed at the base of a rounded glass shape are the glasses, as if they had just slipped down its nose. Sketches, models, rende...
Glass
21st Century Anni Trenta Luce Pendant 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 ...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo Small Pendant Light in Black / Crystal by Peter Marino
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of black blend together with the hues of crystal or tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Parallelo 893.82 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal/Tea by Peter Marino
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in murano, IT
Parallelo 893.82 H93,5 CR/NE/TE Additional Information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal/Tea Light Source: 1 x max 8W LED E14 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dim...
Glass
21st Century Where Are My Glasses XXL, Single Lens Vase in Multicolour
By Ron Arad, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Limited edition - 1 of XX So, where are my glasses? Can’t you see them? Blown glass is wearing them, a single lens of the metal frame is stuck inside it. Glass tapers, becoming narr...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo Large Pendant Light in Black/Crystal/Tea by Peter Marino
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in murano, IT
Rotondo 893.60 Ø20 CR/NE/TE Additional Information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal/Tea Light Source: 1 x max 12W LED E27 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dimensions: Ø...
Glass
21st Century Where Are My Glasses, Under Vase in Crystal Red by Ron Arad
By Ron Arad, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Aquamarine, Red and Grass Green with hints of Crystal. Placed at the base of a rounded glass shape are the glasses, as if they had just slipped down its nose. Sketches, models, rende...
Glass
21st Century Parallelo 893.75 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal/Tea by Peter Marino
By Venini, Peter Marino
Located in murano, IT
Parallelo 893.75 H62,5 CR/NE/TE Additional Information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal/Tea Light Source: 1 x max 8W LED E14 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dimensions...
Glass
21st Century Parallelo 893.75 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal by Peter Marino
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Parallelo 893.75 H62,5 CR/NE Additional Information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal Light Source: 1 x max 8W LED E14 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dimensions: H 62....
Glass
21st Century Parallelo 893.76 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal by Peter Marino
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Parallelo 893.76 H77,5 CR/NE Additional Information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal Light Source: 1 x max 8W LED E14 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dimensions...
Glass
21st Century Abaco Shape 2, 3 Sphere Suspension Light in Amber Yellow/Améthyste
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Calculations, numbers, man’s endless attempt to rationalize an otherwise intuitive world. All this enclosed in a unique work by Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin. Crafted with sph...
Glass
21st Century, Campanile Candle Holder in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Candle holder in blown glass finished by hand, it adds a decorative touch to the home, creating magical atmospheres.Using the balloton technique, Venini’s master glassblowers impart a unique cross...
Blown Glass
21st Century Parallelo 893.81 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal/Tea by Peter Marino
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Parallelo 893.81 H78,5 CR/NE/TE Additional Information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal/Tea Light Source: 1 x max 8W LED E14 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dimensions...
Glass
21st Century Parallelo 893.77 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal/Tea by Peter Marino
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Parallelo 893.77 H92,5 CR/NE/TE Additional Information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal/Tea Light Source: 1 x max 8W LED E14 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dimensions...
Glass
21st Century Stelle Filanti Pendant Light in Grey by Atelier Oï
By Venini, Atelier Oï 1
Located in murano, IT
Atelier OÏ wishes to convey its quest for a genuine interactive dialogue through lightness, its search for an aesthetics that defies emptiness and sparks emotions through the encount...
Glass
21st Century Zoe Large Pendant Light in Violet by Doriana E Massimiliano Fuksas
By Venini, Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas
Located in murano, IT
From the ancient tracks of desert rocks to present-day Venice. Zoe – designed by Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas in 2014 – is a paradigm, a place where different times and spaces com...
Glass
21st Century Zoe Small Pendant Light in Grey by Doriana E Massimiliano Fuksas
By Venini, Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas
Located in murano, IT
From the ancient tracks of desert rocks to present-day Venice. Zoe – designed by Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas in 2014 – is a paradigm, a place where different times and spaces com...
Glass
21st Century Argea Ceiling Light in Straw-Yellow 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 Zoe Large Pendant Light in Grey by Doriana E Massimiliano Fuksas
By Venini, Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas
Located in murano, IT
From the ancient tracks of desert rocks to present-day Venice. Zoe – designed by Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas in 2014 – is a paradigm, a place where different times and spaces com...
Glass
21st Century Balloton Suspension Lamp in Crystal 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 ...
Glass
21st Century Balloton Ceiling Lamp Shape 1 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 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 Abaco Shape 1, 3 Sphere Suspension Light in Amber Yellow/Améthyste
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Calculations, numbers, man’s endless attempt to rationalize an otherwise intuitive world. All this enclosed in a unique work by Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin. Crafted with sph...
Glass
21st Century Diamantei Extra 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 Balloton Ceiling Lamp Shape 1 in Indigo 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 Balloton Ceiling Lamp Shape 1 in Grey 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 Abaco Shape 1, 5 Sphere Suspension Light in Crystal/Grey/Milk-White
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Calculations, numbers, man’s endless attempt to rationalize an otherwise intuitive world. All this enclosed in a unique work by Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin. Crafted with sph...
Glass
21st Century Abaco Shape 1, 3 Sphere Suspension Light in Crystal / Milk-White
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Calculations, numbers, man’s endless attempt to rationalize an otherwise intuitive world. All this enclosed in a unique work by Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin. Crafted with sph...
Glass
21st Century Diamantei Large Chandeliers in Gold Leaf Crystal/Crystal 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 Balloton Ceiling Lamp Shape 3 in Grey 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 Rotondo 893.55 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal/Tea
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of Black blend together with the hues of Crystal or Tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo 893.55 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of Black blend together with the hues of Crystal or Tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo 893.57 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal/Tea
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of Black blend together with the hues of Crystal or Tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Cilindro 893.66 Pendant Light in Black / Crystal by Peter Marino
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Cilindro 893.66 H88 CR/NE Additional information: Material: glass Colour: black/crystal Light source: 1 x max 12W LED E27 - Dimmable Finishes: black nickel metal Dimensions: ...
Glass
21st Century Cilindro 893.72 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal by Peter Marino
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Cilindro 893.72 H107 CR/NE Additional information: Material: Glass Colour: Black/Crystal Light Source: 1 x max 12W LED E27 - Dimmable Finishes: Black nickel metal Dimensions:...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo 893.56 Pendant Light in Black / Crystal / Tea
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of black blend together with the hues of crystal or tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo 893.51 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal/Tea
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of black blend together with the hues of crystal or tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo 893.52 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of black blend together with the hues of crystal or tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo Pendant Light in Black / Crystal
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of black blend together with the hues of Crystal or Tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Light Shar Small Chandeliers in Crystal by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
They are waves of water travelling in concentric circles made eternal by glass. Still and bright. Their slightly rippled appearance is due to their trilobate shape, triangles with ro...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo 893.57 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of Black blend together with the hues of Crystal or Tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo 893.51 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of Black blend together with the hues of Crystal or Tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Rotondo 893.52 Pendant Light in Black/Crystal/Tea
By Peter Marino, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Bold shades of black blend together with the hues of Crystal or Tea of the sphere. They enclose it, surrounding it with thin and thick lines, alternating in a seemingly random fashio...
Glass
21st Century Muse Glass Sculpture Table Lamp in Milk-White by Fabio Novembre
By Fabio Novembre, Venini
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 Balloton Lamp Wall Light in Crystal 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 ...
Glass
$5,121 / item
21st Century Nastri Wall Light in Crystal by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Nastri is an orderly arranged path of glass that gives meaning to its own complexity. Regardless of its size, small or large, the structure is monumental in appearance, just as the l...
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 Vittoriale 6-Light Chandeliers in Crystal by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Construction of Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Vittoriale degli Italiani started in the 1920s. In the same decade, Napoleone Martinuzzi designed a unique work that draws inspiration and owes ...
Glass