Pheasant figurine in red glass paste and gold leaf on circular foot

One of the most fortunate series Napoleone Martinuzzi created for Venini was a series of animals. These examples were distinguished by their stylized forms, use of precious materials, and inspired colours, such as in this pheasant in coral red pasta vitrea enhanced by gold leaf.

The October 1930 issue of La Casa bella described Venini’s new creations as objects that stand apart on the panorama of modern furnishing and décor. The realism of these table centrepieces, imaginary animals and unearthly plants, nimbly lends itself to decorative purposes.

Bibliography

Franco Deboni, I vetri Venini, Allemandi, Torino 2007, vol. II, fig. 35; Marino Barovier, Napoleone Martinuzzi. Venini 1925-1931, Skira, Milan 2013, exhibition catalogue (Venice, Le Stanze del Vetro, Fondazione Giorgio Cini, 8th September 2013 - 6th January 2014), page 257.