Alessandro Pianon large blue Murano glass pendant for Vistosi, Italy 1960s

Large blue Murano glass pendant designed in the 1960s by Alessandro Pianon for Venetian glassmaker Vistosi in Italy. The blue glass shade is made of hand blown Murano glass. The colour of the glass is intense blue when the light is off and subtle and violet-blue when lit. The lamp’s fixture consists of a metal clamp that holds the large blue glass lampshade in a minimalist way. The lamp has been rewired with a beautiful fabric cord, for added safety and aesthetic enhancement. It is in a very good condition with minor signs of age and use.

Venice has long been a manufacturing center for exquisite art glass. The glass components of eminently collectible chandeliers, sconces, and table lamps and other objects and fixtures are hand-blown in the region by a master of Murano glass, named for the Italian island of Murano, where glassmaking has been practiced for hundreds of years, using a variety of artisanal processes. Renowned glass artist Alessandro Pianon was a product of the region’s rich glassmaking tradition.

Born in Venice, Pianon studied at the Architecture School in Venice to become an architect and designer. Prolific glass manufacturer Vetreria Vistosi hired Pianon in 1956 to design the company logo. Pleased with his work, the manufacturer retained Pianon as a designer. At Vistosi, Pianon developed his glass-blowing techniques and designed a series of collections of pieces for the company. Over this time he perfected his unique style, producing pendant lamps and chandeliers of all different kinds and other objects and furnishings. He started his own design studio in 1962.