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 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
$1,464 / item
21st Century Idria Large Glass Vase in Red 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
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
Rodolfo Dordoni for Venini Hand-Crafted Murano Glass Vase, 20cm
By Rodolfo Bonetto, Venini
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Queen and Prince are the components of a noble family who, since 1996, has reigned with the kindness and elegance of sinuous shapes. They wear robes glazed, with impressive metallic-...
Murano Glass
Kukinto Vases Collection by Timo Sarpaneva for Venini 1991
By Timo Sarpaneva, Venini
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 100.16 Small Purple - 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 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 100.18 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 Monofiori Balloton 100.18 Medium Amber - 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 Labuan 706.63 Medium Taupe - 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 706.62 Large Lattimo - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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, 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 707.10 Large Ginkgo Biloba - Glass Vase Napoleon Martinuzzi Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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, 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 Deco 707.08 Small Ginkgo Biloba Glass Vase Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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, 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 Deco 707.07 Medium Ginkgo Biloba Glass Vase Napoleon Martinuzzi Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
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 Deco 707.07 Medium Verde Rio - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
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 Deco 707.08 Small Green Rio - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
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 Deco 707.08 Small Pesca - Glass Vase - Napoleone Martinuzzi - Damiani
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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, 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
Venini Tiara 706.66 Ambra/Orizzonte - Glass Vase - Francesco Lucchese - Damiani
By Venini, Francesco Lucchese
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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, Lombardia
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, Lombardia
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, Lombardia
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, Lombardia
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, Lombardia
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 706.22 Medium Verde Rio/Gold Leaf/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 706.22 Medium Venice Red/Gold Leaf/Crystal - Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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, Lombardia
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, Lombardia
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, Lombardia
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, Lombardia
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 Varedo, Lombardia
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 Iceberg/Lattimo - Glass Vase Alessandro Mendini - Damiani
By Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 Venini, Alessandro Mendini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 Opalino 706.24 Large - Peach - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 706.22 Medium - Peach - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Peach - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 Opalino 706.22 Medium - Iceberg - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.24 Large - Talpa - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 706.22 Medium - Talpa - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Talpa - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 Opalino 706.24 Large - Paraiba - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 706.22 Medium - Paraiba - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Sapphire - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 Opalino 706.22 Medium - Ginkgo Biloba - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano glass vase. The O...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Ginkgo Biloba - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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 Opalino 706.22 Medium - Blu Mare - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Brand: Venini Designer: Venini Model: Opaline 706.22 - Medium Collection: Opaline Made in: Italy Add an artistic and sophisticated touch to your interior with this iconic Murano gla...
Glass
Venini Opalino 706.38 Small - Indigo - Murano Glass Vase - Damiani
By Venini
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
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