Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction

Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction

Lot 69: Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano Spiral Shell (Conchiglia) Form, Lattimo & Pink Zanfirico Glass, Signed, c. 1940s–1950s

2026-04-25T15:00:00Z

Start price: CAD $50

Lot 69:

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Carlo Scarpa for Venini Murano Spiral Shell (Conchiglia) Form, Lattimo & Pink Zanfirico Glass, Signed, c. 1940s–1950s

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Start price: CAD $50

Description

A Murano glass vessel of spiral shell (conchiglia) form, designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini, circa 1940s–1950s.

The piece is executed in translucent rose-pink glass overlaid with alternating lattimo and pink zanfirico canes, arranged in flowing radial bands that follow the dynamic curvature of the form. The composition culminates in a tightly controlled spiral terminal, evoking a nautilus shell.
The interplay between opaque white lattimo and transparent pink canes creates a rhythmic visual tension, while the precision of cane alignment and clarity of the glass demonstrate a high level of technical control characteristic of Venini’s early post-war production.
The underside bears an acid-etched signature: “VENINI MURANO ITALIA.”
Details
Designer: Carlo Scarpa (1906–1978)
Manufacturer: Venini
Origin: Murano, Italy
Date: Circa 1940s–1950s
Medium: Hand-blown glass with lattimo and zanfirico cane
Color: Rose-pink and opaque white
Form: Spiral shell (conchiglia) vessel
Signature: Acid-etched “VENINI MURANO ITALIA” to underside
Dimensions: Approx.  1¼ inches tall, 4 inches long, and 3¼ inches wide
Condition
Very good overall condition
Light base wear and minor surface scratches consistent with age
No cracks or restorations observed
Catalogue Note
Carlo Scarpa’s collaboration with Venini represents one of the most important chapters in 20th-century Murano glass. During the 1930s through the 1950s, Scarpa redefined Venetian glassmaking by integrating architectural sensibilities with traditional techniques, emphasizing structure, rhythm, and material clarity.
Examples of related conchiglia forms are documented in the literature, including in I Vetri di un Architetto, p.224, model 278 where Scarpa’s work for Venini is extensively illustrated.