Centerpiece and two candlesticks; Murano, 1970s.

Centerpiece and two candlesticks; Murano, 1970s.
Blown glass and gold dust.
Measurements: 33 x 20 x 15 cm (x2); 22 x 23 x 28 cm.
This Murano glass set, consisting of a centerpiece and a pair of candlesticks, crafted from blown glass with gold dust inclusions, combines the technical mastery characteristic of Murano with a strong sense of theatricality and ornamentation.
The composition draws inspiration from the famous Venetian tradition of the Blackamoors or Moretti, one of the most characteristic iconographies of Venetian decorative arts since the Renaissance. These figures, originally conceived as symbols of exoticism, wealth, and cosmopolitanism, underwent extraordinary development in cabinetmaking, sculpture, and goldsmithing. In this set, the candelabras take the form of two elegant figures holding the light arms in their hands, transforming their utilitarian function into a true sculptural exercise. Their stylized silhouettes and the delicate balance between volume, color, and transparency highlight the extraordinary skill of Murano’s artisans in shaping hot glass—
During the 1960s and 1970s, Murano glass experienced one of its most creative periods, when Venetian manufacturers revived historical designs to adapt them to international tastes. This combination of tradition and innovation made their creations highly sought after by collectors and interior designers, cementing Murano’s status as a global leader in artistic glass.