Italian Murano Glass Sconce No. 02, 1960s

An Italian Murano glass wall sconce from the 1960s, attributed to Toni Zuccheri for Venini, formed from richly textured glass, and defined by its elongated form.

The fixture takes the shape of a softly rounded vertical capsule, measuring 13.5 inches in height. Its iridescent clear glass body is covered in irregular, flowing ridges that stretch from top to bottom, resembling strands of water or molten glass suspended in motion. The texture varies in direction, creating an organic surface that catches and refracts light from every angle.

Small brass-toned hemispherical finials secure the glass at either end, introducing a metallic contrast to the expressive surface. The simplicity of these fittings allows the glass to remain the focus, while the narrow profile gives the fixture a strong vertical presence without projecting excessively from the wall.

Toni Zuccheri was an Italian designer known for his experimental approach to glass, particularly during his collaborations with Venini beginning in the 1960s. His work frequently explored organic forms, unusual textures, and the expressive possibilities of Murano glassmaking. The sconce reflects this sensibility through its heavily worked surface, where the irregular glass becomes both decoration and a means of manipulating light.

When illuminated, the thick glass transforms the light into a warm, diffused glow. Its raised ridges catch brighter highlights, while the deeper channels create shifting shadows and subtle reflections across the surrounding wall. Even when unlit, the iridescent glass reveals delicate variations in thickness and texture, giving the fixture the presence of a decorative glass object.

Its elongated proportions make it particularly suited to an entryway, hallway, or beside a mirror, where the vertical form can be appreciated.