Blue Incamiciato and Gold Leaf Sconces by Tomaso Buzzi for Venini, 1930s, Set of 2

Details

Description

An exceptional and extraordinarily rare pair of tulip-shaped wall sconces designed by tomaso buzzi for venini, murano, circa 1932–1934. These … Read more An exceptional and extraordinarily rare pair of tulip-shaped wall sconces designed by tomaso buzzi for venini, murano, circa 1932–1934. These museum-quality examples of italian decorative lighting unite buzzi’s refined architectural vision with the remarkable technical virtuosity of venini’s historic murano glassworks. Each sconce features a generously proportioned hand-blown diffuser with a botanical silhouette. Rising from a narrow rounded base, the glass expands into a deep, softly modelled body before opening into a subtly flared upper rim. The resulting profile recalls a tulip in bloom while also suggesting the timeless form of an ancient chalice or ceremonial vessel. Compact yet voluptuous, the design possesses an extraordinary sense of balance. The rounded lower section gives the diffuser visual weight, while the gently everted rim introduces movement and lightness. This dialogue between classical vessel forms, inspiration and modern abstraction is particularly characteristic of tomaso buzzi’s work for venini during the early 1930s. The diffusers are executed in an exceptionally refined blue and white incamiciato glass enriched with delicate gold-leaf inclusions. A luminous opaque-white inner layer is enclosed within a transparent pale-blue outer casing, creating remarkable depth and a beautifully smooth, polished surface. The blue coloration is especially sophisticated. It appears more concentrated around the lower section and upper rim, gradually dissolving into a soft, almost ethereal white toward the centre. Depending on the surrounding light, the glass shifts from powder blue and periwinkle to deeper cornflower and cobalt tones. Countless minute fragments of gold leaf are suspended between the layers of glass. Rather than being distributed uniformly, the gold follows broad vertical and horizontal bands, delicate spiral traces and irregular trails created by the rotation and manipulation of the molten glass during production. In certain areas, the gold appears as a fine luminous mist; elsewhere, it forms more defined ribbons that reveal the movement of the master glassblower’s hand. Each diffuser was individually blown and worked by hand by a murano master glassmaker. The two glasses consequently present subtle differences in profile, thickness, rim shape, color distribution and the arrangement of the gold inclusions. These variations are not imperfections, but tangible evidence of the entirely artisanal production process and ensure that each piece is unique. When illuminated, the white incamiciato interior produces a warm and beautifully diffused light, while the blue outer layer acquires a delicate translucent luminosity. The gold inclusions emerge discreetly through the surface, producing subtle points and ribbons of reflection rather than an overtly decorative effect. The open tulip-shaped rim directs an additional pool of light upward, creating a soft and atmospheric halo on the surrounding wall. The combination of warm illumination, cool blue glass and shimmering gold gives the sconces an unusually poetic presence. When switched off, the pair remains highly . The contrast between the powder-blue glass, the opalescent white interior, the dispersed gold leaf and the deeply patinated brass gives the sconces exceptional material richness. The wall plates measure approximately 6.5 × 4.8 cm. The upper section of each brass mount is open, providing a practical concealed space for the electrical connection and allowing the structure to accommodate a compact junction box, as shown in the photographs. With their proportions, exceptional glassmaking technique and remarkable rarity, these sconces should be considered collectible works of decorative art. They would be particularly effective installed symmetrically beside an important mirror, doorway, fireplace or architectural opening. The pair has already been professionally rewired for use in the united states and fitted with one standard edison e26 socket per sconce. Dimensions per sconce glass diameter: 16.5 cm / 6.50 in overall depth: 20.5 cm / 8.07 in overall height: 21 cm / 8.27 in wall plate: approximately 6.5 × 4.8 cm / 2.56 × 1.89 in this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution,
up to 250v (europe/uk standard).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less