Carlo Scarpa for Venini – Pair of “A Fili e a Fasce” Glass Dishes (Triangular & Oval) – Murano, c. 1942

An exceptional and historically important matched pair of Murano glass dishes designed by Carlo Scarpa for Venini & C., belonging to the celebrated “A fili e a fasce” (“threads and ribbons”) series, created circa 1942. These works represent one of the final and most refined expressions of Scarpa’s collaboration with Venini before he left glass design to pursue his architectural career.
Each dish is hand-blown in clear Murano glass and meticulously decorated using the signature applied filigree thread technique, where fine strands of white glass are fused to the surface and repeatedly reheated to become an integral part of the form. The result is a hypnotic, almost architectural pattern of concentric lines that follow and emphasize the geometry of each piece.
The triangular dish features precise spiraling threadwork that converges into a central triangular point, while the oval dish mirrors this concept with elegant concentric ellipses resolving into a single focal center. Together, they create a striking dialogue between geometry and movement, order and fluidity — a hallmark of Scarpa’s modernist vision.
A delicate gold rim subtly frames each composition, adding warmth and refinement to the otherwise cool, graphic precision of the design. The surface decoration carries a faint iridescent softness, enhancing depth and visual vibration when viewed under changing light.
This series marks a pivotal moment in 20th-century design history. During his time at Venini, Scarpa revolutionized traditional Murano glassmaking by introducing modernist principles rooted in architectural thinking, line, and structural clarity. His works from this period are now considered among the most important achievements in Italian design, and are held in major museum collections worldwide.

Details
Designer: Carlo Scarpa (1906–1978)
Manufacturer: Venini & C., Murano, Italy
Series: “A fili e a fasce” (“Threads and Ribbons”)
Date: Circa 1942
Technique: Hand-blown glass with applied white glass thread decoration and light iridescent finish