Lantern from the island of Murano, made in the Seguso glassworks in the 1930s.
This magical lantern will bring the charm of Venice into your home. It is crafted to reflect the shimmering water of the Venetian canals and bridges, creating a captivating play of light. The lantern is intricately detailed, showcasing the quality of precise handcraftsmanship and skillful manipulation. It stands as an excellent example of wartime artisanal decorative art when most production was still craft-based rather than mechanized. Due to its natural forms, it will complement almost any space. The lantern serves both practical and decorative purposes, particularly shining in smaller rooms such as a foyer, hallway, or a winter garden. It works best where you can directly appreciate its beauty, allowing its magical light to gently illuminate the walls with a soft, subtle glow rather than harsh diffusion that could disrupt the ambiance of the room.
The production of glass lanterns in "cages" partly began in response to the growing exhibitions of decorative art, such as the Milan Triennale in the interwar years. Another likely influence was the movement for traditional art known as the "Return to Order," a revival of classicism throughout Europe as a response to the mechanized destruction caused by World War I. After the financial crisis of 1929, Murano suffered several closures of key glassworks. To survive, many of them, including Artistica Soffiera e Vetreria – Barovier, Seguso & Ferro (artistic glassblowers and glassmakers), joined forces. The group included Luigi Ferro, Napoleone Barovier, Antonio Seguso, and Seguso's sons Ernesto and Archemide. In 1934, artistic advisor Flavio Poli joined the company. This marked a period of experimentation with colored glass and new techniques, leading to international success. In 1937, Poli was accepted as a full partner, and the company was renamed Seguso Vetri D’Arte, a name that endures to this day. The iconic glass lanterns in "cages" emerged from Poli's first collaboration with Seguso from 1934 to 1940, becoming a symbol of Venetian glassblowing expertise.
Dimensions: 75 x 16 cm
Weight: 1400 g
The lanterns are in excellent condition. For E14 light bulb. Price for one.