Rare Carlo Scarpa for Venini “Mezzo Diamante” Murano Glass Sconces, 1940s Pair

An exceptionally rare pair of Murano glass wall sconces attributed to Carlo Scarpa for Venini, Italy, circa 1940, showcasing one of the master’s most celebrated surface treatments: the extraordinary “Mezzo Diamante/Half Diamond” texture.

Entirely hand-blown in thick, heavy crystal glass, each diffuser reveals an astonishing sculptural presence. Deep diagonal ribs flow continuously across the surface, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light, transparency and optical distortion. When illuminated, the substantial thickness of the glass transforms into an ever-changing landscape of reflections and shadows, highlighting the remarkable craftsmanship of Venini’s furnace during Scarpa’s most influential years.

What makes this pair particularly fascinating is that the two glasses are intentionally different from one another. While sharing the same model, one diffuser was cut from a more dynamic section of the original blown form, where the swirling “Mezzo Diamante” pattern is noticeably more pronounced. As a result, the central opening appears naturally more offset and irregular than its companion—a characteristic clearly documented in the photographs. Rather than a flaw, this subtle asymmetry celebrates the authenticity of hand-blown Murano production, making the pair even more unique and impossible to replicate.

The sculptural glass shades rest on elegant geometric brass brackets, distinguished by their distinctive tapered, wedge-shaped profile. The brass has acquired a rich, naturally aged patina over decades, providing a beautiful contrast to the luminous clarity of the glass while reinforcing the refined architectural character of the design.

The sconces have been professionally rewired for immediate use in the United States and are fitted with standard Edison E26 sockets. Upon request, they can also be rewired for European electrical standards before shipment.

An exceptional opportunity to acquire an increasingly scarce pair of early Venini lighting pieces, where Scarpa’s revolutionary approach to glass transforms functional lighting into true sculptural art.