VENINI & CO. 1930 Carlo Scarpa Art-Deco A Treccia Mirror In Art Glass And Bronze
An art glass and bronze desk mirror designed by Venini & Co.
This is a very rare and amazing desk mirror created in Murano Venice by Carlo Scarpa for the Venini & Co. The rectangular mirror was crafted during the art deco period, circa 1930-1935 at the Venini workshops in the Murano island. It was masterfully crafted with the “A Treccia” technique with parts made up in twisted swirled clear art-glass, polished bronze and mirror. Fitted at the reverse with a hinged stand for display. Very rare decorative piece in great condition.
A Treccia
This is translated as braided, is a Murano technique is a sophisticated 1930s-1940s glassmaking method, most famously designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini. It involves creating a thick, braided, or twisted rope-like motif in clear or colored glass to create ornate frames, mirrors, and decorative objects, defining a luxurious Art Deco to mid-century style.
Carlo Scarpa
He was an Italian architect and designer. He was influenced by the materials, landscape, and history of Venetian culture, as well as that of Japan. Scarpa translated his interests in history, regionalism, invention, and the techniques of the artist and craftsman into ingenious glass and furniture design. This Venetian architect and designer revolutionized Murano glass as the artistic director for Venini from 1932 to 1946/1947. He introduced modernist, minimalist, and textured techniques, creating iconic, sophisticated styles like Battuto, Corroso, Sommerso, Filigrana, and Tessuto. His 15-year tenure produced over two dozen styles, blending ancient craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Venini
Beginning in the 1930s and throughout the postwar years, Venini & Co. played a leading role in the revival of Italy’s high-end glass industry, pairing innovative modernist designers with the skilled artisans who created extraordinary chandeliers, sconces and other lighting in the centuries-old glass workshops on the Venetian island of Murano. While the company’s co-founder, Paolo Venini (1895–1959), was himself a highly talented glassware designer, his true genius was to invite forward-thinking Italian and international designers to Murano’s hallowed workshops to create Venini pieces - among them Gio Ponti, Massimo Vignelli, Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, Thomas Stearns of the United States and Fulvio Bianconi.
Country: Venice, Murano, Italy.
Period: Art deco, 1930.
Designer: Carlo Scarpa for Venini & Co.
Materials: Art glass, mirror and polished bronze.
Technique: A Treccia art glass.
Weight: About 13 pounds, (5.90 Kg.).
Measurements: H. 324 mm by L. 273 mm by D. 231 mm (12.75 x 10.75 x 9.10 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped at the reverse incised in the bronze, with the maker's mark, the country of manufacture and signed in full as follows: "VENINI MURANO MADE IN ITALY".
Literature: Reproduced in “Catalogo Blu” Venini page 42
Condition: The overall condition of this Venini & Co.-Carlo Scarpa art-glass mirror is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage and all parts are secured in their settings. This mirror was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D031026MREN/.7710
