Skip to main content

Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Italian

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.

to
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
2
2
2
1,852
26
21
15
15
Creator: Venini
VENINI Hourglass Green and Blue Signed 1998, Made in italy
VENINI Hourglass Green and Blue Signed 1998, Made in italy

VENINI Hourglass Green and Blue Signed 1998, Made in italy

$1,015

VENINI Hourglass Green and Blue Signed 1998, Made in italy

By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi

Located in Venezia, IT

VENINI Hourglass Green and Blue model 420.06, produced in 1998 and accompanied by its original Venini box and paperwork. Highly collectible, the Hourglass series is sought after for ...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Related Items
Clessidra Hourglass in Gray and Red Glass by Venini

Clessidra Hourglass in Gray and Red Glass by Venini

$2,299 / item

H 11.03 in Dm 5.91 in

Clessidra Hourglass in Gray and Red Glass by Venini

By Venini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Perfectly balanced between two different colours, the sand flows through the sleek glass chambers made using the Incalmo technique, taking on its colour and becoming a part of it. Grains of sand, impalpable and imperceptible as a whole, yet so real, like time passing. Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini sealed it in the Clessidra in 1957 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, taking on a more sinuous, feminine appearance. Perfectly balanced between two different colors, sand flows through sleek glass, crafted using the Incalmo technique; as it flows, it gradually colors and becomes an integral part of the glass. Additional Information: Material: Glass, sand Color: Gray/red Dimensions: Ø 15 x H 28 cm Available in other color options: Green river /Powder pink...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Grey Acquamarine Murano Glass

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Grey Acquamarine Murano Glass

$1,386 / item

H 9.85 in Dm 3.94 in

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Grey Acquamarine Murano Glass

By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Murano Glass

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Amber Horizon Murano Glass

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Amber Horizon Murano Glass

$1,386 / item

H 9.85 in Dm 3.94 in

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Amber Horizon Murano Glass

By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Clessidra hourglass in amber Murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Murano Glass

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Sapphire Cipria Pink Murano Glass

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Sapphire Cipria Pink Murano Glass

$1,386 / item

H 9.85 in Dm 3.94 in

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Sapphire Cipria Pink Murano Glass

By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Murano Glass

Hourglass Murano Clear Ribbed Studio Art Glass Objects Venini Style
Hourglass Murano Clear Ribbed Studio Art Glass Objects Venini Style

Hourglass Murano Clear Ribbed Studio Art Glass Objects Venini Style

$355

H 5.12 in Dm 1.97 in

Hourglass Murano Clear Ribbed Studio Art Glass Objects Venini Style

By Seguso, Cenedese, Barovier&Toso, Venini

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

An optical blown art glass hourglass with a ribbed surface by unknown artist.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Venini Clessidre Glass Hourglass in Pink and Gray by Fulvio Bianconi
Venini Clessidre Glass Hourglass in Pink and Gray by Fulvio Bianconi

Venini Clessidre Glass Hourglass in Pink and Gray by Fulvio Bianconi

$1,386 / item

H 9.85 in Dm 3.94 in

Venini Clessidre Glass Hourglass in Pink and Gray by Fulvio Bianconi

By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Clessidre Hourglass, designed by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi, was originally designed in 1957. Available in different colors, the grey / mint green version is a limited edition ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass

Clessidra Hourglass in Bamboo and Aquamarine Glass by Venini

Clessidra Hourglass in Bamboo and Aquamarine Glass by Venini

$2,299 / item

H 11.03 in Dm 5.91 in

Clessidra Hourglass in Bamboo and Aquamarine Glass by Venini

By Venini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Perfectly balanced between two different colours, the sand flows through the sleek glass chambers made using the Incalmo technique, taking on its colour an...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Glass

Table clock "Europa", vienna around 1950s
Table clock "Europa", vienna around 1950s

Table clock "Europa", vienna around 1950s

$355

H 4.34 in Dm 2.76 in

Table clock "Europa", vienna around 1950s

Located in Wien, Au

Table clock "Europa", vienna around 1950s with place for a picture. Original condition

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Metal, Brass

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Apple Green Straw Yellow Murano Glass

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Apple Green Straw Yellow Murano Glass

$1,386 / item

H 9.85 in Dm 3.94 in

Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Apple Green Straw Yellow Murano Glass

By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Murano Glass

Kundo Brass Electromagnetic Mantel Clock 1950s Germany
Kundo Brass Electromagnetic Mantel Clock 1950s Germany

Kundo Brass Electromagnetic Mantel Clock 1950s Germany

$592

H 8.27 in W 7.88 in D 4.73 in

Kundo Brass Electromagnetic Mantel Clock 1950s Germany

By Kieninger & Obergfell

Located in Den Haag, NL

A Kundo brass electromagnetic skeleton mantel clock. The clock is a Kleninger-Obergfell electronic, electromagnetic carriage clock with a brass ...

Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Italora Lucite and Brass Table Clock, Italy, 1950s
Italora Lucite and Brass Table Clock, Italy, 1950s

Italora Lucite and Brass Table Clock, Italy, 1950s

$580

H 5.91 in W 6.3 in D 3.55 in

Italora Lucite and Brass Table Clock, Italy, 1950s

By Italora

Located in Roma, IT

Elegant Art Deco–style table clock by Italora, crafted in a refined combination of clear lucite and brass. This stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fully original ...

Category

1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

1950s Swiss Omega Square Table Clock
1950s Swiss Omega Square Table Clock

1950s Swiss Omega Square Table Clock

$1,776

H 4.14 in W 5.91 in D 1.19 in

1950s Swiss Omega Square Table Clock

By Omega

Located in Marbella, ES

1950s Swiss Omega square table cock.

Category

Mid-20th Century European Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Previously Available Items
1950s Mid-Century Modern Glass and Brass Italian Desk Clock by Iatos
1950s Mid-Century Modern Glass and Brass Italian Desk Clock by Iatos

1950s Mid-Century Modern Glass and Brass Italian Desk Clock by Iatos

Sold

H 7.49 in W 11.42 in D 1.97 in

1950s Mid-Century Modern Glass and Brass Italian Desk Clock by Iatos

By Venini

Located in Aci Castello, IT

Amazing Verde Nilo glass and brass table clock signed Iatos, itaiian manufacturer also per Venini, very small signs of time on the glass. The mechanical clock it's in working order.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Brass

Paolo Venini Murano Clessidre Pink and Blue Signed Italian Art Glass Hourglass
Paolo Venini Murano Clessidre Pink and Blue Signed Italian Art Glass Hourglass

Paolo Venini Murano Clessidre Pink and Blue Signed Italian Art Glass Hourglass

Sold

H 6 in Dm 2.25 in

Paolo Venini Murano Clessidre Pink and Blue Signed Italian Art Glass Hourglass

By Venini, Paolo Venini

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Free shipping worldwide! See details below description. Rare little Murano handblown "Incalmo" pink and blue "Clessidre" hourglass sculptural object. Documented to designer Paolo ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Minimalist Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso

Signed Venini 99 Murano Jet Black Italian Art Glass Decorative Desk Clock
Signed Venini 99 Murano Jet Black Italian Art Glass Decorative Desk Clock

Signed Venini 99 Murano Jet Black Italian Art Glass Decorative Desk Clock

Sold

H 3.5 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in

Signed Venini 99 Murano Jet Black Italian Art Glass Decorative Desk Clock

By Venini

Located in Kissimmee, FL

FREE Shipping Worldwide! See details below description. Gorgeous Murano Hand Blown Jet Black Art Glass Paperweight Desk Clock. The piece is signed Venini 99, with Venini on the cl...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Glass, Murano Glass

Venini table clocks and desk clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Venini table clocks and desk clocks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of murano glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Venini table clocks and desk clocks, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original table clocks and desk clocks by Venini were created in the Art Deco style in italy during the mid-20th century. Prices for Venini table clocks and desk clocks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,552 and can go as high as $2,571, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,561.

Questions About Venini Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

  • How do you identify Venini glass?

    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify Venini glass, first look for markings, usually found on the base or interior of glassware. Over its long history, Venini used dozens of labels and acid-stamped marks on its pieces. You can find images of these marks on the pages of trusted online resources to compare to your piece. Keep in mind that Venini's foil labels tend to come off over the years, so a lack of a marking or label doesn't necessarily mean that your piece is not a Venini. However, there are many convincing replicas of Venini glassware. As a result, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer for assistance with the identification process, especially if you can't locate a label or acid mark. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Venini glass.

  • Where is Venini glass made?

    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    Venini glass is made in Italy. Specifically, its workshop is on the Venetian island of Murano. 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 skilled artisans who created extraordinary chandeliers, sconces and other lighting in the centuries-old glass workshops. 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, Tapio Wirkkala, Thomas Stearns and Fulvio Bianconi. Shop a variety of Venini glass on 1stDibs.

More Venini Furniture

Venini Vases and Vessels
Venini Chandeliers and Pendants
Venini Wall Lights and Sconces
Venini Glass
Venini Table Lamps
Venini Flush Mount
Venini Bowls and Baskets
Venini Sculptures
Venini Floor Lamps
Venini Centerpieces
Venini Lanterns
Venini Picture Frames
View All Popular Table Clocks and Desk Clocks Searches