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 Vistosi, Michael Red
Located in Milan, IT
Large glass box by Michael Red for Vistosi. Two pieces that can also be used separately.
Murano Glass
$528
H 2.76 in W 4.45 in D 2.88 in
Red Alabaster and Brass Jewelry Box - Mineral Stone Box - Italy 1970s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Red Alabaster and Brass Jewelry Box - Mineral Stone Box - Italy 1970s Very elegant jewelry or decorative box from Italy. Made of red alabaster and brass, designed and produced duri...
Stone, Onyx, Alabaster, Marble, Brass
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
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
Italian Desk Box in Leather and Cut Glass, 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful desk box or casket made of leather and cut glass. Made in Italy of the 1970s. The box is trimmed with smooth leather, a fine black leather edge and finely finished stitc...
Leather, Glass, Cut Glass, Wood
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
Murano glass vase Neverrino by Gae Aulenti for Vistosi , 1970s
By Gae Aulenti, Vistosi
Located in Padova, IT
Gae Aulenti, pseudonym of Gaetana Emilia Aulenti (1927 - 2012), was an Italian designer and architect, particularly dedicated to the theme of architectural staging and restoration. C...
Murano Glass
$653
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
$581
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 Giacomo Sinopoli, Liwan's Rome
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
$14,842
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 Mario Ceroli, Poltronova
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
$11,500
H 10.5 in W 6.5 in D 4 in
Alessandro Pianon Pulcino Glass Bird Sculpture for Vistosi Murano Italy 1960s
By Alessandro Pianon, Vistosi
Located in Troy, MI
Pulcio bird sculpture designed by Alessandro Pianon for Vistosi Italy, circa 1960's Rare form with tail feathers in deep blue hand blown glass with murrine decoration and inset murr...
Copper
Italian Chrome Box, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage box from Italy during the 1970s. The piece features a highly polished chrome body with a clean geometric form, accented by decorative brass screws on the lid that cre...
Metal
$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 Alessandro Mandruzzato, 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