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 Doge Shape 2 Long Chandeliers in Améthyste by Napoleone Martinuzzi
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 Diamantei Medium 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 Pigmenti Large Blown Opal Glass Vase in Amber by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Diamantei Small 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 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 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 Diamantei Small 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 Fazzoletto Glass Bowl in Milk-White/Red 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 Diamantei Medium 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 Vittoriale 12-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
21st Century Diamantei Small 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 Abat-Jour Floor Lamp in Améthyste/Purple/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 Pigmenti Large Blown Opal Glass Vase in Blood Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Fazzoletto Glass Bowl in Grey/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 Balloton Lamp Wall Light 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 ...
Glass
21st Century Abat-Jour Lampshade Small Table Lamp in Grey 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 Blown Glass Balloton Table Lamp 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...
Blown Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Large Blown Opal Glass Vase in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Large Blown Opal Glass Vase in Grape by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Diamantei Medium 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 Zoe Small Table Lamp 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...
21st Century Anni Trenta Luce Large 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 Anni Trenta Luce Small Table Lamp 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 ...
21st Century Anni Trenta Luce Small Table Lamp 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 Pigmenti Large Glass Vase in Blood Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Small Blown Opal Glass Vase in Grape by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Small Blown Opal Glass Vase in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Night in Venice Glass Candleholder in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The warm glow of candles meets glass etched using the special Balloton technique. Its light flickers and dances, casting a multitude of reflections on the refined Tea, Red, Grape or ...
Blown Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Small Blown Opal Glass Vase in Amber by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Small Glass Vase in Amethyste by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Small Glass Vase in Amber by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Small Blown Opal Glass Vase in Bloood Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Large Glass Vase in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Monofiori Carnevale Glass Vase in Tea by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Like the icons that inspired them, these pieces are made using the Balloton technique. Every Monofiore Carnevale vase is a small handcrafted creation; glass is blown using traditional metal molds...
Blown Glass
21st Century Potiche Blown Glass Jar in Milk-White by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Made from opalino glass with softly rounded edges, this unique piece was created by the expert hands of glassblowers. Potiche comprises a base and a lid. Pe...
Blown Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Small Blown Opal Glass Vase in Amethyste by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Monofiori Carnevale Glass Vase in Sapphire by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Like the icons that inspired them, these pieces are made using the Balloton technique. Every Monofiore Carnevale vase is a small handcrafted creation; glass is blown using traditional metal molds...
Blown Glass
21st Century Night in Venice Glass Candleholder in Grey by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Made in hand-finished blown glass, the transparent red NIGHT IN VENICE candleholder decorates the home, creating magic atmospheres: the warm and lumino...
Blown Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Small Glass Vase in Grape by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Night in Venice Glass Candleholder in Grape by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The warm glow of candles meets glass etched using the special Balloton technique. Its light flickers and dances, casting a multitude of reflections on the refined Tea, Red, Grape or ...
Blown Glass
21st Century Night in Venice Glass Candleholder in Gras Green by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The warm glow of candles meets glass etched using the special Balloton technique. Its light flickers and dances, casting a multitude of reflections on the refined Tea, Red, Grape or ...
Blown Glass
21st Century Coppetta Carnevale Glass Bowl in Green by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Like the icons that inspired them, these pieces are made using the Balloton technique. Every Coppetta Carnevale is a small handcrafted creation; glass is blown using traditional metal molds...
Blown Glass
21st Century Faville Glass Candleholder in Red by Venini, 2019
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Shimmering in intense hues of red or grass green, every Favilla is a unique glass creation crafted using the exclusive Balloton technique to enhance its sparkle. Candle included A...
Glass
21st Century Monofiori Carnevale Glass Vase in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Like the icons that inspired them, these pieces are made using the Balloton technique. Every Monofiore Carnevale vase is a small handcrafted creation; glass is blown using traditional metal molds...
Blown Glass
21st Century Monofiore Glass Vase in Aquamarine by Laura De Santillana
By Laura de Santillana, Venini
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 Pigmenti Small Glass Vase in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
With the Pigmenti collection, Venini aims to send out a sign of renewal through the development of a classic form as the expression of a contemporary interior design accessory. Pigme...
Glass
21st Century Acqua Ichirinzashi Vase in Crystal/Grape by Michela Cattai
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Its shapes take their cue from nature in Japan, nodding to the pebbles and water flowing in mountain streams. A vase holding just one flower is the quint...
Murano Glass
21st Century Acqua Mizusashi Glass Vase in Crystal/Mint Green by Michela Cattai
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
It owes its name to the traditional container for water used during the Japanese tea ceremony. Its shapes are inspired by the country’s lush vegetation, nodding to the pebbles and water flowing...
Murano Glass
21st Century Acqua Natsumeche Glass Vase in Crystal/Mint Green by Michela Cattai
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The custodian of matcha green tea powder, it is the star of the Japanese tea ceremony. Its shapes are inspired by the country’s lush vegetation, nodding to the pebbles and water flowing...
Murano Glass
21st Century Acqua Glass Bowl in Crystal / Grape by Michela Cattai
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Doesn’t it look like it was eroded by water? Doesn’t it recall stones or flowing ice on a glacial mountain stream? Like pebbles shaped in glass, their forms evoke breath-taking lands...
Glass
21st Century Geodi Vase in Horizon/Light Pink/Milk-White by Sonia Pedrazzini
By Venini, Sonia Pedrazzini
Located in murano, IT
Geodi 793.62 H42 OZ/LA/RS Additional Information: Material: Glass Color: Horizon/Light Pink/Milk-White Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 41 cm.
Glass
21st Century Unity Glass Bowl in Améthyste by Marc Thorpe
By Venini, Marc Thorpe
Located in murano, IT
Two colours, two materials: two cultures come together in one in the Fornace (Kiln), thanks to the skill of Marc Thorpe and of the master glassblowers. A woven metal base recalling S...
Glass
21st Century Acqua Glass Bowl in Crystal/Mint Green by Michela Cattai
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Doesn’t it look like it was eroded by water? Doesn’t it recall stones or flowing ice on a glacial mountain stream? Like pebbles shaped in glass, their forms evoke breath-taking lands...
Glass
21st Century Puzzle Glass Vase in Coral / Grey by Ettore Sottsass
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
Located in murano, IT
Architecture turns into design. Magnificence turns into elegance. Coral meets Aquamarine, then it blends into Grey. This glass creation by Ettore Sottsass has a soul and a strong cha...
Glass
21st Century Unity Glass Bowl in Grape by Marc Thorpe.
By Venini, Marc Thorpe
Located in murano, IT
Two colours, two materials: two cultures come together in one in the Fornace (Kiln), thanks to the skill of Marc Thorpe and of the master glassblowers. A woven metal base recalling S...
Glass
21st Century Acqua Glass Bowl in Crystal/Grape by Michela Cattai
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Doesn’t it look like it was eroded by water? Doesn’t it recall stones or flowing ice on a glacial mountain stream? Like pebbles shaped in glass, their forms evoke breath-taking lands...
Glass
21st Century Acqua Glass Bowl in Crystal/Mint Green by Michela Cattai
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Doesn’t it look like it was eroded by water? Doesn’t it recall stones or flowing ice on a glacial mountain stream? Like pebbles shaped in glass, their forms evoke breath-taking lands...
Glass
21st Century Geodi Vase in Amber Yellow/Milk-White/Red by Sonia Pedrazzini
By Venini, Sonia Pedrazzini
Located in murano, IT
Colours evoke the art of crystal healing: every vase has its own spiritual meaning, magical attributes and healing properties, just like geodes in nature. They feature softly rounded...
Glass
21st Century Anelli Glass Vase in Crystal/Marine Blue/Red by VeniniRiedizione
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
The master skilfully plays with sheer glass: four red rings alternating with four light blue or blue ones, running its full length. A new glass star is born in 2019: Anelli. Color is...
Glass
21st Century Clessidra Hourglass in Red/Straw-Yellow by Fulvio Bianconi E Paolo
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo 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