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 Where Are My Glasses, Double Lens Vase in Grass Green/Mint Green
By Ron Arad, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Intense hues of Aquamarine and Horizon, Red and Purple, Mint Green and Grass Green. Coloured glass elements flow through the two lenses, blending unexpectedly together into a vase. S...
Glass
21st Century Where Are My Glasses XXL, Under Vase in Multicolour by Ron Arad
By Venini, Ron Arad
Located in murano, IT
Limited edition - 1 of XX So, where are my glasses? Can’t you see them? Glass is wearing them. On its face. In an XXL version. It holds onto them tightly, the entire metal frame. An...
Glass
21st Century Where Are My Glasses XXL, Double 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. It tapers, becoming narrower and narrower, then flows through both lenses of the...
Glass
21st Century Where Are My Glasses XXL, Single Lens Vase in Multicolour
By Venini, Ron Arad
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 Where Are My Glasses, Double Lens Vase in Red/Violet by Ron Arad
By Venini, Ron Arad
Located in murano, IT
Intense hues of Aquamarine and Horizon, Red and Purple, Mint Green and Grass Green. Coloured glass elements flow through the two lenses, blending unexpectedly together into a vase. S...
Glass
21st Century, Campana Candle Holder in Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Campana 100.75 Ø14 H11,5 RV/CR Additional information: Material: blown glass Color: red Dimensions: Ø 12 cm Available in other color options: Amber.
Blown Glass
21st Century Pigmenti Large 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 Pigmenti Large 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Unity Glass Bowl in Améthyste by Marc Thorpe
By Marc Thorpe, Venini
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 Puzzle Glass Vase in Coral / Grey by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Venini
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 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 Unity Glass Bowl in Grape by Marc Thorpe.
By Marc Thorpe, Venini
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 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 Clessidra Hourglass in Red/Straw-Yellow by Fulvio Bianconi E Paolo
By Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, 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
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 Odalische Large Glass Vase in Rosa Cipria Rio by Leonardo Ranucci
By Venini, Leonardo Ranucci
Located in murano, IT
Odalische 706.81 Ø16 H43 RC/LA/RC Additional information: Material: Glass Color: Rosa Cipria Dimensions: Ø 16 x H 42 cm Available in other color options: Green rio, red, grey ...
Glass
21st Century Clessidra Hourglass in Indigo/Orange 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
21st Century Gemme Glass Vase in Tea by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
In the expert hands of the blowers, glass turns into precious gemstones of various colours – Green, Grass Green, Purple, Red, Aquamarine, Sapphire, Tea and Grey. Unique and sparkling...
Glass
21st Century Gemme Glass Vase in Aquamarine by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
In the expert hands of the blowers, glass turns into precious gemstones of various colours – Green, Grass Green, Purple, Red, Aquamarine, Sapphire, Tea and Grey. Unique and sparkling...
Glass
21st Century Clessidra Hourglass in Amber/Horizon 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
21st Century Ando Time Hourglass in Bamboo/Grape/Horizon 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. Additional Information: Material: Glass Color: Bamboo/Grape/Horizon Dimensions: W 13.5 x D 13.5 x H 54 cm Available in other color options: Grey/light pink,/red...
Glass
21st Century Small Clessidra Hourglass in Grey/Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. Clessidra – designed by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini in 1957 – evolves in 2015,...
Glass
21st Century Clessidra Hourglass in Aquamarine/Grey 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
21st Century Happy Pills Feniletilamina in Black/Orange by Fabio Novembre
By Venini, Fabio Novembre
Located in murano, IT
The love molecule found in chocolate is now contained in glass. A design placebo created by Fabio Novembre in VENINI’s workshop. Indications and dosage: admire it in small doses, dai...
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