Mid-Century ‘Eliche’ Murano Glass Wall Sconce by Toni Zuccheri for Venini, Italy, 1960s

Exceptional ‘Eliche’ wall sconce designed by Toni Zuccheri for Venini, Murano, Italy, circa 1960s.

An important example of post-war Italian lighting design, the sconce is composed of individually moulded Cristallo Murano glass elements, arranged around a metal structure to create an irregular, highly sculptural silhouette.

Each substantial glass panel features pronounced vertical striations and an undulating, organic profile. The heavily textured surfaces distort and refract the light beautifully, creating depth and movement across the glass.

The name Eliche, meaning “spiral” in Italian, references the dynamic quality of the glass elements. Zuccheri's design moves away from the symmetry and ornamentation of traditional Murano lighting, instead treating each piece of glass as an expressive sculptural form—characteristic of his experimental work for Venini during the 1960s.

The staggered glass elements give the sconce a strong architectural presence while allowing light to escape between and through the textured glass, creating a beautiful atmospheric glow against the wall.

Designer: Toni Zuccheri
Manufacturer: Venini
Model: Eliche
Origin: Murano, Italy
Period: Circa 1960s
Material: Hand-worked Murano glass, metal
Glass: Cristallo / clear textured glass
Type: Wall sconce
Electrical: Rewired to Australian standards
Condition: Vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use

A highly sculptural and collectible example of 1960s Italian Murano lighting, showcasing Toni Zuccheri's innovative approach to glass and Venini's extraordinary glassmaking tradition.