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.
Murano Glass Centerpiece by Michael Red for Vistosi, Italy, 1970s
By Michael Red, Vistosi
Located in Milan, IT
Large glass box by Michael Red for Vistosi. Two pieces that can also be used separately.
Murano Glass
$4,200
H 3.5 in W 5.25 in D 3.5 in
Murano Glass Sommerso Jewelry Box by Mandruzzato, Italy, Circa 1970
By Mandruzzato, Alessandro Mandruzzato, Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Round Top, TX
A stunning decorative, collectible Murano box for an aficionado of luxury and rarity. This large vintage silver leaf and black Murano glass sommerso box, made in Italy by Alessandr...
Metal
Italian Silver Box Raised, 1970s
Located in Delft, NL
Italian silver box raised on 4 feet, 1970s Italian silver box in curvy octagonal shape with repousse design of flowers and scrolls The purity de...
Silver
Italian Glass and Metal Jewelry Box, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
This charming small glass box with gilt metal mounts and a delicate handle instantly recalls the shape of a miniature suitcase. Made in Italy during the 1970s, it is a decorative obj...
Glass
$1,822Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.32 in W 16.93 in D 5.71 in
xl 43cm murano glass Centerpiece by Flavio Poli Attrib., Murano, Italy, 1970s
By Alessandro Mandruzzato, Flavio Poli, Fratelli Toso
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass bowl, element in unique coloration Origin: Murano, Italy Design: Flavio Poli attrib. Decade: 1970s This original vintage glass shell bowl element w...
Murano Glass
Ruby Red Murano Glass Vase by Mandruzzato for Oball, Italy, 1970s
By Alessandro Mandruzzato, Atelier Oball
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ruby red glass vase designed by Alessandro Mandruzzato for Vetreria Artistica Oball, Italy, 1970s. Striking sharp "stealth"-like shape, made with S...
Glass
$626
H 1.58 in W 5.12 in D 4.14 in
Midcentury Decorative Box in Polished Steel and Glass by Liwan's, Italy 1970s
By Liwan's Rome
Located in Rome, IT
Midcenury beautiful rectangular decorative box in polished steel and glass by Liwan's. Made in Italy in the 1970s. The signed on the bottom as shown in the pictures. Perfect desk ...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
$558
H 11.62 in W 10.04 in D 2.17 in
Mid-Century Jewelry Box by Giacomo Sinopoli (attr) for Liwan's Rome Italy 1970s
By Liwan's Rome, Giacomo Sinopoli
Located in Palermo, IT
Very elegant steel and glass jewelery box, attributable to Giacomo Sinopoli, made by Liwan's Roma, with "Liwan's Rome Italy" brand embedded under the bottom. The box is made of chrom...
Metal
Space Age Vanity Set by Makio Hasuike for Gedy, Italy 1970s
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This Space Age vanity set was designed by Makio Hasuike for Gedy and produced in Italy during the 1970s. It represents a refined example of Italian plastic design, where functionalit...
Glass, Plastic
Midcentury Round Box in Murano Glass by Tommaso Barbi, Italy 1970s
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury wonderful round box in murano glass by Tommaso Barbi. Made in Italy in the 1970s. This item is a wonderful addition to every modern home.
Glass, Murano Glass
Vistosi Vase Murano Glass, 1960, Italy
By Vistosi
Located in Milano, IT
Vistosi vase Murano glass, 1960, Italy.
Murano Glass
$911
H 4.73 in W 10.24 in D 7.09 in
Cenedese & Albarelli Amestista Murano Glass Centerpiece, Italy 1970s
By Cenedese & Albarelli
Located in Naples, IT
Murano Glass Center Piece blown, shaded amethyst coloring. Marked Cenedese & Albarelli Murano.
Murano Glass
$854
H 5.91 in W 18.9 in D 9.06 in
Very Large "Sommerso" Red and Blue Murano Glass Centerpiece, Seguso, Italy 1970s
By Seguso
Located in Roma, IT
Extraordinary large centerpiece in mouth-blown sommerso Murano glass. This sculptural piece was produced by Seguso in Italy during the 1970s. In amazing condition, with no chips or ...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
$14,236
H 4.34 in W 11.03 in D 5.52 in
Italian Mid Century Wooden Box in Pine by Mario Ceroli for Poltronova, 1970s
By Poltronova, Mario Ceroli
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare Italian mid century wooden and decorative case box designed by Mario Ceroli from the "Mobili della Valle" series produced by Poltronova Italy, 1977. This small box is a uni...
Pine
Italian modern plastic storage for Olivetti, 1970s
By Olivetti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern plastic storage for Olivetti, 1970s White plastic storage box. It has three compartments, two of equal size and one larger. The logo is printed on two sides. It can al...
Plastic
Orange sommerso jewelry box , Murano glass, Italy, 1970's
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful orange sommerso box designed and manufactured in murano, 1970s. Glass craftsmanship according to the sommerso technique (superposition of layers of molten glass) with hand...
Murano Glass