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Venini Picture Frames

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.

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Creator: Venini
A rare signed Venini Murano glass picture frame
By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in London, GB
A very rare Pulegoso Murano glass picture frame designed and produced by the world famous glass house Venini C1938 . Impressed Venini Murano to easle support.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

20thC Italian Venetian Glass Photograph Frame, Attributable To Venini c.1950
By Venini
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A beautiful glass mounted photograph frame attributable to the world renowned Venini in Venice, Italy. The twisted glass rope picture frame was manufactured around the middle of the ...
Category

20th Century Italian Other Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Rare Large Pair Murano / Venini Torchon Picture Frames, c.1950
By Venini
Located in Bath, GB
A rare and very large pair of vintage Italian Venini photograph frames, extremely heavy and in beautiful condition. The twisted glass is flecked with gold with gilded brass fittings....
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Blown Glass

'A Treccia' Green Pulegoso Glass Picture Frame by Carlo Scarpa for Venini c.1938
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in London, GB
A rare ‘a treccia' green pulegoso glass picture frame designed by architect and designer Carlo Scarpa and produced by the famous Italian glass house, Venini, c.1938. This 'braided' g...
Category

1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

An original 1940s Murano glass picture frame attributed to Venini
By Venini
Located in London, GB
A wonderful original 1940s Murano glass picture frame attributed to Venini with clear glass and red rope twist glass outer frame with brass inner frame and stand.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

20thC Italian Venetian Glass Photograph Frame, Attributable To Venini c.1950
By Venini
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A beautiful glass mounted photograph frame attributable to the world renowned Venini in Venice, Italy. The twisted glass rope picture frame was manufactured around the middle of the ...
Category

20th Century Italian Other Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

20thC Italian Venetian Glass Photograph Frame, Attributable To Venini c.1950
By Venini
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A beautiful glass mounted photograph frame attributable to the world renowned Venini in Venice, Italy. The twisted glass rope picture frame was manufactured around the middle of the ...
Category

20th Century Italian Other Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Glass

Signed Venini Photo Frame in Murano Gold Blown Glass and Brass, Italy 1940s
By Venini
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous and incredibly rare 1940s Murano Glass Picture Frame signed by the renowned glassmaker . Made in mouth-blown Murano glass with 24k gold inside and brass. In amazing conditi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass, Gold

Mid-Century Modern Madonna with Child Murano Glass Torchon Frame by Venini, 50s
By Venini
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Murano glass torchon frame Venini production, inside Madonna with child in plaster on a xylonite base, dating back to the early 1950s. Patented Model.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass, Plastic, Plaster

Mid 20th Century Italian Art Glass Picture Frame for Venini by, Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa, Venini
Located in Englewood, NJ
A fine Italian Mid Century Modern glass "Mezza Filigrana" picture frame designed by, Carlo Scarpa for Venini. The frame is internally decorated with pink lattice decoration and furth...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

20thC Italian Venetian Glass Photograph Frame, Attributable To Venini c.1970
By Venini
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A beautiful glass mounted photograph frame attributable to the world renowned Venini in Venice, Italy. The twisted glass rope picture frame was manufactured around the middle of the ...
Category

20th Century Italian Other Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame Attributed to Venini, Italy 1950s
By Venini
Located in Rome, IT
A beautiful picture frame made of clear "twisted rope" Murano glass and the original wooden backrest, with brass support, attributed to Venini. Made in Italy in the 1940s.  
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Metal, Brass

Italian Murano Twist Picture Frame in Green Murano Glass and Brass
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Murano Twist Picture Frame in Green Murano Glass and Brass Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in light green color. Suits for 12x18cm or 5x7" picture...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

1990s Barovier Style Art deco Green Murano Glass Picture Frame
By Barovier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A light green murano glass picture frame designed and manufactured in Venice in the style of Barovier, it's in lovely conditions. This vintage photo frame is a beautiful and elegant ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Italian 1940s table green brass picture frame
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Italian green brass picture frame decorated with a twirl metal frame. Inner picture size 8 x 13 centimeters
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Metal

Italian 1940s table green brass picture frame
Italian 1940s table green brass picture frame
$834
H 8.08 in W 5.91 in D 5.12 in
Murano Art Glass Picture Frame with Multicolor Murrine, circa 1990
By Lavorazione Arte Murano
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb Murano art glass picture frame was hand-crafted in Italy circa 1990. Murano mosaic Murrine plaques adorn the picture view of the frame, which features an L-shaped Plexigl...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Lucite, Plexiglass

Venini Murrine Romane Multicolor Bowl by Carlo Scarpa
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Murrine Romane bowl in multicolor by Carlo Scarpa. Numbered Edition. These Murrine are called “roman” due to their graphic signs and because they...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Glass

Italian Murano Glass and Brass Twist Picture Frame in Black
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Murano Glass and Brass Twist Picture Frame in Black A thick Murano glass picture frame in black and transparent glass color designed and manufactured in the style of Barovie...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Pair of 19th Century Hanging Picture Frames
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite set of two French 19th-century hanging picture frames exudes timeless elegance and charm. Crafted from gilt bronze, each frame is adorned with intricate details, inclu...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Hanging Picture Frames
Pair of 19th Century Hanging Picture Frames
$1,995
H 7.9 in W 4.3 in D 1.2 in
Barovier and Toso Torchon glass with brass picture frame
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Ferndale, MI
Substantial frame is comprised of a thick handmade Murano glass border in a sparkling hue of clear glass, suitably . The Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon st...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Rare Gucci Picture Frame c.1970's
By Gucci
Located in Bath, GB
A rare vintage photograph frame by the iconic fashion house, Gucci. The frame has spent some time in my silversmith's workshop where new go...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate

Rare Gucci Picture Frame c.1970's
Rare Gucci Picture Frame c.1970's
$1,652
H 9.75 in W 8.25 in D 1 in
Vintage Barovier & Toso Emerald Green and Gold Murano Glass Picture Frame
By Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Barovier & Toso Emerald Green and Gold Murano Glass Picture Frame with Brass Mounting. Excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. No chips, cracks, or repairs. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

20th Century Barovier & Toso Picture Frame Torchon in Murano Glass
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Turin, Turin
Wonderful timeless Picture Frame designed around '50s by the manufacturer Barovier & Toso. The item has the very peculiar frame worked in Murano Glass in the style of "Torchon". The ...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
Venini Italian Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame, Circa 1940s
By Venini, Ovington Brother At New York
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Italian Murano glass and brass picture frame By Venini Imported and retailed by Ovington's of New York Italy, Circa 1940s Measures: 12.63"W x 9"D x 13.75"H. Very goo...
Category

1940s Italian Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
By Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, transparent with golden glitter. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame with transparent glass and go...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
By Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in pink color. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame in pink color designed and manufactured by Veni...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
By Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in kiwi green color. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame in kiwi green color designed and manufact...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
By Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in amber color. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame in amber color designed and manufactured by Ve...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame by Venini
By Venini
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Modern Murano twist light blue glass and brass picture frame. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass picture frame in light blue color designed and manufactured by V...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

VENINI-Carlo Scarpa - Murano Glass Holder - 1940s - 20th century.
By Venini, Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful and rare frame due to wavy shape of the glass and green color, as well as horizontal because most of these portrait frames are vertical and the glass transparent . An origi...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

20th Century Italian Hand Blown Glass Photograph Frame Attributable to Venini
By Venini
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A very large glass mounted photograph frame attributable to the world renowned Venini in Venice, Italy. The twisted glass rope picture frame was manuf...
Category

20th Century Italian Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Blown Glass

Picture Frame Murano Glass Brass Venini Decorative Object Midcentury Italy 1940s
By Venini
Located in Palermo, IT
Rare and elegant Venini photo frame of considerable size, produced in Italy in the 1940s. The photo frame was made in Murano glass with a ribbon in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Brass

1930s Venini Twisted Murano Glass Italian Design Picture Frame
By Venini
Located in Brescia, IT
Picture Frame Art Deco Venini, 1930s Italy Twisted glass Brass details Perfect condiction.
Category

1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Venini Frame Brass Murano Glass 1940 Italy
By Venini
Located in Milano, IT
Venini Frame.
Category

1940s Italian Other Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Multi-gemstone

Venini Frame Brass Murano Glass 1940 Italy
Venini Frame Brass Murano Glass 1940 Italy
H 12.21 in W 11.03 in D 9.65 in
Venini Frame Brass Murano Glass 1940 Italy
By Venini
Located in Milano, IT
Frame VENINI.
Category

1940s Italian Other Vintage Venini Picture Frames

Materials

Murano Glass

Venini Frame Brass Murano Glass 1940 Italy
Venini Frame Brass Murano Glass 1940 Italy
H 12.6 in W 14.97 in D 10.63 in

Venini picture frames for sale on 1stDibs.

Venini picture frames are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Venini picture frames, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original picture frames by Venini were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider picture frames by Gabriella Crespi, Tommaso Barbi, and Barovier&Toso. Prices for Venini picture frames can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,115 and can go as high as $5,336, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,105.
Questions About Venini Picture Frames
  • 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.
  • 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.

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