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FeedMerchants of Venice
Four modern riffs on one historic design
By Alyssa Ford
Photo by Maki Strunc Photography
VETRO VENEZIANO
Left: Venetian Glass “Daffodil” chandelier by Bella Figura, modeled after a traditional Italian chandelier from the 1930s. Available at Lee Jofa.Vetro Veneziano—Venetian glass—is simply soda-lime glass made of silicon bioxide and a crystalline component that remains in a pliable, workable state for a relatively long time. That’s the textbook definition at least. But it’s not the science that has made Venetian glass a global status symbol since glassmakers were ordered to move their foundries to the tiny Italian island of Murano in 1291 (to avoid burning the city of Venice to the ground). Literally sequestered, Italian glassmakers perfected their techniques for producing mouth-blown glassworks that appear spontaneous, light, and airy. They often use vivid colors with an iridescent glow. Modern designers are fond of playing with the Venetian “look,” but only the world’s top glassmakers can match the artistry.
1. “Nest” pendant by 2 Thousand Degrees, $365
2. “Portside Pitcher” by Michael McDougal, $335
3. JewelStone mosaic glass tile by Hirsch Glass, $28 per sq. foot
4. “Golden Dew” candlestick set by Igor Muller for Fusion Z, $595.
For more information on resources in this story, please see our Buyer's Guide.
11 ISSUES (1 YEAR)
