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Venini Abstract Sculptures

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
21st Century Circo Di Lune Sculpture in Multicolour
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
One after the other, alternating spheres run along metal wires, arranged in order of size and colour. This unique piece by Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin reflects the delicate balance...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

OSMOSI Artist Proof Glass and Marble Sculpture by Emmanuel Babled for Venini
By Emmanuel Babled, Venini
Located in murano, IT
The work is part of the Osmosis series, exhibited at Palazzo Franchetti, in conjunction with the 55 th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale. The project combines new t...
Category

2010s Italian Arts and Crafts Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Napoleone Martinuzzi for Venini Red Cactus Succulent Sculpture, Signed, 1929
By Venini, Napoleone Martinuzzi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Napoleone Martinuzzi for Venini red Cactus Succulent sculpture, Signed, 1929. Exceedingly rare example of a signed Venini succulent by Matinuzzi. Museum-worthy masterwork by Martinuzzi during his groundbreaking tenure as artistic director of Venini. Large-scale. Original brass frame. This stunning pulegoso glass and gold leaf “pianta grassa” is in very good antique condition with no apparent signs of repair. Acid etched Venini signature is at bottom. Lovely contrasting white glass rim on pot. Playful use of co lot with the green pot...
Category

1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Ando Set of Vases in Hand Blown Glass by Tadao Ando for Venini
By Tadao Ando, Venini
Located in murano, IT
The object made to commemorate Venini’s 90th anniversary symbolizes Venini’s esteemed creative spirit as an encounter between the 500 year old traditional Venetian glass blowing tech...
Category

2010s Italian Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

"F" Crystal Letter by Massimo Vignelli for Venini, Italy, 1980s
By Massimo Vignelli, Venini
Located in Milan, IT
"F" crystal and colored capital letter by Massimo Vignelli for Venini. Part of the "NEON" collection, with original fabric case. Also available from the same collection four other le...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano Glass Egg by Venini for 50° Anniversary Confartigianato, Italy 1997
By Venini
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing egg with white and grey twisted cane decorations by Venini for 50th anniversary of Confartigianato in 1997. A classic Murano manufacture, the egg remains a status symbol for...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass, Art Glass

Simbiosi Wood Glass and Wood Unique Piece by Emmanuel Babled for Venini
By Venini, Emmanuel Babled
Located in murano, IT
Sculpture in clear, opaque pink, straw yellow and bamboo colored glass with gold leaf resting on ebony wood. The process involved begins with the realization of the glass. The hand ...
Category

2010s Italian Arts and Crafts Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass, Ebony

1960s Tapio Wirkkala for Venini Art Glass Egg Sculpture Italy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Venini
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, glass art egg designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Venini. Signed Italy. Dimensions: 2.75 tall x 2diameter, Base .25H x 1.5in diameter. Please visit take a look a...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Gold

Venini by Emmanuel Babled 2004 Women Torso Tall Vase in Cased Art Glass
By Venini, Emmanuel Babled
Located in Miami, FL
Art glass vase designed by Emmanuel Babled (1967-) for Venini. An extremely rare artistic vase, created in the island of Murano by the sculptor Emmanuel Babled, back in the 2004. This sculptural tall vase is part of a limited edition of only 9 piece made by the Venini company from Venice. It is made in the shape of a sublime woman torso, blown in 3 colors of cased glass and finished with a delicate wheel carving. Technique: Blown art glass, triple cased, etched and carved at the wheel. Measures: 450.85 by 196.85 mm (17.75 by 7.75 Inches) Edition: Number 4 of 9. Signatures: Etched at the bottom, "Venini 2004 4/9 EMM. BABLED". with the original Venini decal label. Emmanuel Babled was born in France in 1967. He studied Industrial Design at Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan, graduating in 1989 and founding his own design studio in 1992. In 2010 Emmanuel Babled Studio moved to Amsterdam after many years in Milan. Since the start, he has developed a wide range of unique pieces and limited editions in self-production and for prestigious manufacturers such as Venini, Baccarat, Rosenthal and Covo. These pieces are part of private and public collections around the world. At the same time he has also designed Industrial products, furniture and lighting. His clients include Baccarat, Rosenthal, Venini, Bulgari, Iittala, Dupont de Nemours, Fontana Arte, Oluce, I&I, Laurent Perrier...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Siderale, Sommerso and Battuto Glass Sculpture by Giorgio Vigna
By Venini
Located in Uccle, BE
Sculpture in translucent glass whose interior has a "cavity" in blue sommerso glass. The blue color causes a slight exterior reflection. The entire exterior of the piece is wheel engraved. Giorgio Vigna...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Venini, Murano Glass Paperweight / Abstract Sculpture, Signed
By Venini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Venini paperweight / abstract sculpture with a traditional swirl ribbon design. This is signed and is shown with circle marker in last picture, very faded, but is (Venini I...
Category

1960s Italian Modern Vintage Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Venini Circo Di Lune Red Sculpture by Monica Guggisberg & Philip Baldwin
By Venini, Monica Guggisberg & Philip Baldwin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Circo Di Lune sculpture by Monica Guggisberg & Philip Baldwin. Limited edition in 99 art-pieces for each color. Sculptures made up of spherical el...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Clessidra Glass Hourglass in Grey and Red by Venini
By Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini glass hourglass in grey and red. Perfect for indoor home decor or as a statement piece for any room. Limited edition of 199 pieces. Also availab...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

21st Century Circo Di Lune Sculpture in Multicolor
By Venini
Located in murano, IT
One after the other, alternating spheres run along metal wires, arranged in order of size and colour. This unique piece by Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin reflects the delicate balance...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Simbiosi Artist Proof Glass and Marble Sculpture by Emmanuel Babled for Venini
By Emmanuel Babled, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Simbiosi is an edition of unique glass and marble pieces, marrying the two materials into vases It is in the border between manufactured products and one of sculptures. The functiona...
Category

2010s Italian Arts and Crafts Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Carrara Marble

21st Century Quattro Stagioni Primavera in Crystal/Green by Laura De Santillana
By Laura de Santillana, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Dans son verre Vert de murrine et Cristal, Laura de Santillana a imprimé toute sa légèreté et les parfums des premières herbes, des nouvelles fleurs des champs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

21st Century, Quattro Stagioni Inverno Sculpture in Crystal/Light Blue/Milk-White
By Laura de Santillana, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Winter impressed in glass by Laura De Santillana. Murrina glass in hues of bluino and milk white brings to mind the coldest season of the year. As the first snowflakes start to fall,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

21st Century Quattro Stagioni Autunno in Straw-Yellow/Tea by Laura De Santillana
By Laura de Santillana, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Fall impressed in glass by Laura De Santillana. Murrina glass in hues of Tea and Straw Yellow brings to mind the season that comes before winter. Leaves are tinged with yellow, as fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

21st Century Quattro Stagioni Estate Glass Sculpture in Apple Green/Orange/Red
By Laura de Santillana, Venini
Located in murano, IT
Summer impressed in glass by Laura De Santillana. Murrina glass in hues of Red, Orange and Crystal brings to mind the warmest season of the year, and its breathtaking sunsets over th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

"N" "E" "O" "N" Crystal Letters by Massimo Vignelli for Venini, Italy, 1980s
By Massimo Vignelli, Venini
Located in Milan, IT
N, E, O, N crystal and colored capital letters by Massimo Vignelli for Venini. Complete display set for Neon collection.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Venini Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

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Previously Available Items
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By Paolo Venini, Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Venini Abstract Sculptures

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Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Ribbon, Glass

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Venini abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Venini abstract sculptures 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 abstract sculptures, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 11 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 13 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original abstract sculptures by Venini were created in the modern style in italy during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider abstract sculptures by Renzo Buttazzo, Ghirò Studio, and Paolo Giordano. Prices for Venini abstract sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $800 and can go as high as $117,880, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,337.
Questions About Venini Abstract Sculptures
  • 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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