The Art of Light: How Mazzega Redefined Glass-Working
Murano, the Venetian island celebrated for its glassmaking, has a history spanning centuries. Among its most renowned names is Mazzega, a company founded in the 1940s that redefined traditional glass craftsmanship with bold, contemporary designs. Mazzega’s creations were statements of artistry and innovation, capturing attention with their distinctiveness.
Mazzega built its reputation on the island’s rich tradition of glassblowing, yet constantly sought to innovate. Techniques like incamiciato (layering coloured glass) and filigrana (creating delicate patterns within the glass) provided a foundation, but the company excelled by experimenting with colour, shape, and creativity. Each piece stood out as unique.
In the 1960s and 70s, Mazzega reached its peak with lighting collections under AV Mazzega. These weren’t merely lamps or chandeliers but artistic expressions of the era. The Sputnik chandelier, with its Murano glass rods radiating from a chrome centre, exemplified bold, futuristic design for modern interiors.
Designers such as Carlo Nason infused Mazzega with fresh vision. His Lotus lamp, with its layered structure, combined traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. The Poliedri chandelier, composed of geometric glass elements, created cascades of light and colour, transforming spaces.
Table and floor lamps like the Birillo series further blurred the line between function and sculpture. Opaque glass combined with chrome cylinders turned these pieces into conversation starters.
Gaetano Sciolari also contributed significantly to Mazzega’s success. Known for sleek, architectural lighting, Sciolari brought a fresh perspective to the brand, bridging Italian craftsmanship with mid-century modern design. His work often juxtaposed the softness of blown glass with the structure of polished chrome, producing lighting that was both contemporary and timeless.
Despite the rise of mass production overshadowing handcrafted works like Mazzega’s, their legacy remains strong. Collectors and design enthusiasts value these creations for their beauty and the history they embody. Each Mazzega piece reflects a golden era of Italian design and the mastery that made Murano glass world-famous.
Owning a Mazzega creation connects one to Murano’s artistic heritage, bringing a piece of Italian history into the home.