The Gaia Collection presents a series of luminous spheres, reimagining the classic Mid-century Murano Mezza Filigrana technique. These lights offer endless possibilities for creative expression, whether you envision a dynamic cluster of varied patterns or the singular beauty of a unified design.

This intricate technique, nearly lost to time due to the demanding skill and labor it requires, has been revitalized through specially designed hardware that accentuates its inherent artistry. A flat LED module eliminates the need for a traditional socket and bulb within the sphere, ensuring an unobstructed view of the delicate crisscrossing pattern.

Nine unique patterns have been meticulously crafted using Murano filigrana in Lattimo white, Black, Amber, and Red. Each generous 35cm (14-inch) glass sphere is complemented by contemporary hardware, allowing the filigree pattern to shine through a design that doesn’t confine it within the sphere, showcasing the full interplay of the canes.

Imagine these stunning spheres arranged in a captivating group above a dining table, dotted across a kitchen island, or cascading vertically down a staircase for a truly dramatic effect.

This particular piece showcases a striking Red filigree, inspired by the minimalist Mezza Filigrana aesthetic of Carlo Scarpa. His clean, refined approach is echoed in this design. This dense Mezza Filigrana is sometimes referred to as “Tessuto,” particularly in the later works of the Santillanas.

This Red filigree is truly a masterpiece. Unlike traditional filigrana canes, often encased in clear glass over a bold color like black or white, these canes feature a deep cadmium red casing surrounding a Lattimo white core, all enveloped in crystal-clear glass. The result is a design as rich and complex as a Murrina.

To create this piece, I collaborated with a Murano maestro to execute two complete ritorto twists (known as menà in the Muranese dialect) on a mosaic of over 70 canes, achieving a flawless crisscross pattern.

The Gaia pattern is meticulously formed by rolling glass over a parallel mosaic of Murano smalto filigree. Before blowing, the glass undergoes two rotations, transforming the straight canes into elegant spirals. The tips are then carefully cut, revealing the signature reticello effect.

A modern touch is introduced through the custom-designed, solid brass hardware. This houses an Italian-made LED module mounted on the fixture’s inner surface. This energy-efficient module provides 1000 lumens of dimmable light output with a CRI above 90 for exceptional color accuracy. The absence of a central socket and bulb allows the mesmerizing filigree pattern to be fully appreciated. The silk wire and UL-CE SELV driver are discreetly integrated into the brass canopy.