The Gaia collection features a series of lighting spheres that bring back a timeless Mid-century Murano technique, known as Mezza Filigrana.

Offering endless design possibilities, this collection allows customers to mix and match patterns or highlight a single design to create stunning groupings or clusters.

Once nearly lost, this classic technique is now revived through meticulous craftsmanship and dedicated hardware. I’ve designed 9 unique patterns using Murano filigrana in Lattimo white, Black, Amber, and Red.

The large glass sphere, measuring 35 cm (14 inches), is paired with modern hardware that accentuates the intricate pattern through its transparent design. It’s ideal for clustering above a dining table, spacing over an island, or even hanging vertically along a staircase for a dramatic effect.

This specific design features a combination of five Lattimo white and two Black filigree canes, inspired by the distinct sequences favored by Dino Martens. I worked with the Murano maestro to incorporate two complete ritorto spins (known as menà in the Muranese dialect) from a mosaic of over 70 alternating canes, resulting in a beautifully criss-crossed pattern.

The Gaia pattern is crafted by rolling glass over a parallel mosaic of Murano smalto filigree. Prior to blowing, the glass is spun twice to transform the straight canes into spirals. The tip is then carefully cut with scissors, revealing the signature see-through effect of a reticello. This process is known as mezza filigrana, where “filigrana” refers to the delicate web-like pattern and “grano” refers to the bubble encapsulated within it.

The hardware adds a contemporary upgrade to this classic design. Made of solid brass, it houses an Italian-manufactured LED module mounted on its inner surface. This module offers 1000 lumens of output, is dimmable, and boasts a CRI above 90 for excellent color rendering. Without a central socket or bulb, the pattern remains fully visible. The brass canopy also seamlessly integrates a silk wire and UL-CE SELV driver.