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 Deco 707.08 Small Horizon - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
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 707.10 Large Pesca - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
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 Pesca - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
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 Alcamo, IT
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 Ruri 782.51 Verde Mela - Glass Vase - design Nikolai Bergmann - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Designer: Nikolai Bergmann Model: Ruri 782.51 Collection: Homo Faber Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gl...
Glass
$1,024 / item
Venini 1930s 500.09 Pagliesco - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
Brand: Venini Model: 1930s 500.09 Collection: 1930s Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass vase. Created in the 1930s,...
Glass
Venini Riflessi 793.91 Medium - Glass Vase - design Michela Cattai - Damiani
By Michela Cattai, Venini
Located in Alcamo, IT
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 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
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 Monofiori Balloton Medium 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
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 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 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 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
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
21st Century Opalino Medium 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 Black Belt Triangolo Extra Small Vase in Black/Crystal
By Venini, Peter Marino
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
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 Alessandro Mendini, Venini
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 Alessandro Mendini, Venini
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 Alessandro Mendini, Venini
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 Alessandro Mendini, Venini
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 Alessandro Mendini, Venini
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 Fazzoletto 700.00 Large Lilla Menta - Glass Vase Fulvio Bianconi - Damian
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo 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
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 Deco Large Glass Vase in Aquamarine by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Napoleone Martinuzzi, Venini
Located in murano, IT
"Rhythm" is the watchword for the vases from the Dèco line by VENINI. An endless series of rings, one after the other. They alternate at a pace that rises and falls, then rises again...
Glass
21st Century Deco Small Glass Vase in Horizon by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in murano, IT
"Rhythm" is the watchword for the vases from the Dèco line by VENINI. An endless series of rings, one after the other. They alternate at a pace that rises and falls, then rises again...
Glass
21st Century Bolle Glass Vase in Red/Straw-Yellow by Tapio Wirkkala
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in murano, IT
A vase, a bottle. Red and sheer straw yellow. Two distinct spaces of colour created by Tapio Wirkkala that blend together thanks to the "Incalmo" technique, a process by which two pi...
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 Monofiore Glass Vase in Apple Green 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 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 Deco Medium Glass Vase in Aquamarine by Napoleone Martinuzzi
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in murano, IT
"Rhythm" is the watchword for the vases from the Dèco line by VENINI. An endless series of rings, one after the other. They alternate at a pace that rises and falls, then rises again...
Glass
21st Century Night in Venice Glass Candleholder in Tea 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 Battuti/Canoe Small Vase in Aquamarine by Tobia Scarpa
By Ludovico Diaz de Santillana and Tobia Scarpa, Venini
Located in murano, IT
It recalls a graceful tulip, in tones of Crystal, Aquamarine and shaded pink Alexandrite. Its translucent appearance is the result of the skill and ha...
Glass
21st Century Bolle Vase in Amber Yellow/Apple Green/Violet by Tapio Wirkkala
By Venini, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in murano, IT
A vase turns into a bottle for Tapio Wirkkala. Apple Green, Yellow and Purple. Three distinct spaces of colour that blend together thanks to the "Incalmo" technique, a process by whi...
Glass
21st Century Night in Venice Glass Candleholder in Amber 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 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 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 Ando Time Hourglass in Grey / Light Pink/Red by Tadao Ando
By Venini, Tadao Ando
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....
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 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 Clessidra Hourglass in Grape/Light Pink by Paolo Venini
By Venini, Paolo 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 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