Vinicio Vianello for Vistosi Murano Glass Pendant

Italien Vintage Murano Pendant Light by Vinicio Vianello for Vistosi – Murano, Mid Century Italy c. 1957

This pendant light was designed by the Venetian designer Vinicio Vianello for the glass manufactory Vistosi on Murano, presumably in the late 1950s to mid-1960s. It combines polygonally faceted, champagne-coloured Murano glass with a refined metal suspension and is a typical example of Vianello's functionally sculptural light objects.

Design and Execution: The lamp consists of two stacked, multiply faceted glass bodies, each housing an internal light source and generating a warm, diffused light with pronounced interplay of shadows. The thick-walled, mouth-blown glass in champagne tones recalls the modular polyhedral forms with which Vianello experimented from the late 1950s onwards. The simple, darkly patinated metal suspension underscores the vertical character of the design and visually places the glass at the centre of attention.

Vinicio Vianello: Vinicio Vianello was born in Venice in 1923 and died in Zelarino in 1999. He is considered an important representative of Venetian post-war modernism and was closely associated with the Spazialismo movement around Lucio Fontana. From around 1950, he began collaborating with Murano masters to develop new constructions and techniques for glass and industrial design, including lighting. In 1957, he won the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award for his glass works, as well as the Grand Prix at the XI Triennale in Milan, cementing his international standing as an experimental glass designer.

Vistosi – Historical Background: The roots of the Vistosi family date back to 1640, when the Gazzabin family took over the furnace "Al Bastian" on Murano, and the Vistosi name soon became established. In 1791, Gio-Batta Vistosi was appointed "Gastaldo dell'Arte", the head of the Murano glassmakers' guild, securing the family a central role in the island's production. After a refounding in 1945 by Guglielmo Vistosi, the company developed under Gino, Luciano and Oreste Vistosi in the 1950s to 1980s into one of the most innovative manufacturers of modern Murano lighting, working closely with designers such as Vinicio Vianello.

Significance and Context: This lamp documents the phase in which Vianello translated his concept of "variable form" into modular glass and lighting systems, combining industrial serial production with an artistic signature. For collectors of Murano design from the 1950s and 60s, a significant piece by Vianello for Vistosi is not merely a decorative object, but also a historical testimony to the Italian design revolution following the Second World War.

Condition: The lamp is constructed so that each level, consisting of two glass modules, forms an independent element that can be easily removed and reinserted in its original state. In this particular example, the 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 upon purchase.

Please note: This item is a vintage lamp. It was made many years ago and may not conform to current technical standards. Before use, the electrical components should be inspected and, if necessary, updated by a qualified electrician. Bulbs are only included if explicitly stated. This item is sold as a collector's piece/antique and not as a standards-compliant electrical appliance.

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