Vianello for Vistosi – Polygonal Murano Pendant, 1957

Rare pendant lamp by  Vinicio Vianello  (1923–1999), Compasso d'Oro laureate 1957, for Vetreria Vistosi on Murano

Highlights:

 Vinicio Vianello  Vetreria Vistosi on Murano

Two stacked polygonal Murano glass modules, thick-walled and mouth-blown, in warm champagne tone
Vianello's patented modular clamping system (Italian industrial-model patent no. 84163, 1957) — the same construction principle Vianello used for the celebrated Nelson series, here applied to a parallel polygonal series
Darkly patinated brass hardware; vertical suspension emphasises the sculptural silhouette
Historically significant Italian post-war design; museum-relevant provenance.

Description:

This pendant lamp belongs to the polygonal series that Vinicio Vianello designed for Vetreria Vistosi on Murano in 1957 — a lesser-documented parallel to his better-known spherical Nelson pendants of the same year, executed with the same patented internal construction. Two stacked polygonal glass modules, each mouth-blown as a multi-faceted polyhedron, hang from a slender darkly patinated brass suspension. The thick-walled Murano glass in champagne tone generates a warm, diffused light with a pronounced play of reflections on the faceted surfaces.Each level consists of two glass halves clamped together by a delicate internal spring mechanism — the ingenious modular construction that Vianello registered as Italian industrial-model patent no. 84163 in 1957. The same patent underlies the sphere-based Nelson pendants also produced by Vistosi from 1957 onwards; the two model families share a construction principle but differ decisively in their glass form language. The polygonal version documented here has, to our knowledge, no separately documented internal model name in the surviving Vistosi catalogues; it is catalogued in the international trade as "polygonal Vianello for Vistosi, 1957" (see 1stDibs, Pamono, Cambi Casa d'Aste).

Vinicio Vianello:

Born in Venice in 1923, died in Zelarino in 1999. Close to the Spatialismo movement around Lucio Fontana, awarded the Compasso d'Oro and the Grand Prix at the XI Milan Triennale in 1957. Vianello's collaboration with Vistosi from 1957 onwards marked the first partnership between an Italian industrial-design laureate and a historic Murano house — anticipating the later signature strategy that Vistosi would extend to Gae Aulenti, Ettore Sottsass and Angelo Mangiarotti.

Vistosi:

The Vistosi family's roots on Murano go back to 1640, when the Gazzabin family took over the "Al Bastian" furnace. In 1791 Gio-Batta Vistosi was appointed Gastaldo dell'Arte, head of the Murano glassmakers' guild. After the refoundation of 1945 by Guglielmo Vistosi, the company developed under Gino, Luciano and Oreste Vistosi during the 1950s to 1980s into one of the most innovative producers of modern Murano lighting — with Vianello as their earliest laureate designer.

Condition:

The lamp is constructed so that each level, consisting of two glass modules, forms an independent element that can normally be removed and reinserted in its original state. In this particular example, the internal electrical connection of one module — made of Bakelite and brass — was severely burnt and had to be completely removed. This module is now permanently connected to the electrical system and can no longer be removed separately. For practical use this is of no consequence, as the modules are not disassembled during normal operation. The original removed parts have been carefully preserved and will be handed over to the buyer with the piece. All glass modules are in very good vintage condition with the light patina consistent with age; no chips or cracks affecting the silhouette.

Please note:

This item is a vintage lamp. It was made many years ago and may not conform to current technical standards in every jurisdiction. Before installation, the electrical components should be inspected and, if necessary, updated by a qualified electrician for the local mains supply. Bulbs are only included if explicitly stated. This item is sold as a collector's piece and antique, not as a standards-compliant electrical appliance.

Electrical safety: Tested in accordance with DIN VDE 0701-0702; VDE test report available. Lamp partially rewired by a qualified electrician, suitable for connection to the 230 V mains in accordance with applicable VDE regulations.

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