Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Demonstrative of a unique marriage between artistry and technical excellence, Vistosi lighting fixtures were born from a rich Italian glassmaking tradition. The prolific glass manufacturer came to prominence after World War II for its modernist lighting designs, and today Vistosi is known for opulent chandeliers, lamps and sconces.
The history of Vistosi reaches as far back as 1640, when the Gazzabin family of Murano opened a furnace for producing Murano glass art. "Vistoso," which was originally a nickname, became part of the family's surname and eventually the name “Vistosi” was used to refer to the family’s glass creations.
Vistosi would be recognized by the glassmakers’ guild in Murano during the late 18th century — with Gio-Batta Vistosi becoming head of the guild — but Napoleon dissolved the Venetian state and closed the region’s glass factories by 1807. The modern iteration of the Vistosi company was founded in Murano in 1945 by Guglielmo Vistosi, a Gazzabin family heir.
During the 1950s, Vistosi's grandchildren, Gino and Luciano Vistosi, began specializing in lighting. In the 1960s and ‘70s, the company worked with renowned Italian furniture designers like Adalberto Dal Lago, Ettore Sottsass and Gae Aulenti. One of Vistosi's most famous collaborations was with Italian architect and designer Angelo Mangiarotti. In 1967, Mangiarotti designed a modular crystal-hook lighting system called Giogali that has enjoyed popularity and acclaim to this day.
In 1989, Vistosi was taken over by businessman Giancarlo Moretti, who had an extensive background in the lighting industry. Moretti's son, Matteo Moretti, reinvigorated the business with a series of new design collaborations in 1993. Some of the most notable partnerships included Chiaramonte and Marin, Mauro Olivieri and Michele De Lucchi.
Vistosi has participated in every Euroluce showcase since the lighting exhibition began in 1976. In 2005, the company won the ADI Design Index award for Mangiarotti's Giogali system. In 2007, Vistosi won the Eurispes award and participated in a Compasso d'Oro competition.
Today, Vistosi is still a leader in the lighting industry, shifting to LED and creating new types of lead-free crystal glass for its stunning range of lighting fixtures.
Find a collection of vintage Vistosi lighting and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Brass
1890s European Rustic Antique Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Iron, Wrought Iron
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Aluminum
20th Century French Neoclassical Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Crystal, Brass
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Metal
19th Century Italian Antique Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Rustic Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Stone
19th Century French Antique Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Stone, Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Metal
Mid-20th Century Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Art Glass
19th Century French Baroque Antique Vistosi Balustrades and Fixtures
Marble, Wrought Iron
