The Gaia Collection showcases a series of lighting spheres that that revive the traditional Mid-century Murano technique known as Mezza Filigrana.

This collection offers boundless potential, enabling customers to create dynamic clusters or groupings, whether blending diverse patterns or highlighting a single, elegant design.

Nearly forgotten because its intense labor and skill demand, this iconic technique has been revived through custom hardware that enhances its intricate beauty. I’ve crafted 9 unique patterns using Murano filigrana in Lattimo white, Black, Amber, and Red.

The generous glass sphere measures 35 cm (14 inches) and is paired with modern hardware that brings the filigree pattern to life through a design that does not stay inside the sphere and allows to see entirely the crossing of the canes.

It’s ideal for arranging in a striking cluster above a dining table, scattered to illuminate an island, or hung vertically in a staircase for an eye-catching effect.

This particular piece showcases an elegant Amber filigree design, drawing inspiration from the minimalist Mezza Filigrana works of Carlo Scarpa. Known for his clean, refined style. In some contexts, this dense Mezza Filigrana is referred to as Tessuto, particularly in the later works of the Santillanas.

The beauty of this Amber filigree is captivating. Unlike traditional filigrana canes, which are often encased in clear glass over a strong color like black or white, these canes feature a deep amber casing surrounding a lattimo white core, all enveloped in crystal-clear glass. The result is a design as rich and complex as a Murrina.

In creating this piece, I worked closely with a Murano maestro to perform two complete ritorto twists (menà in the Muranese dialect) on a mosaic of over 70 alternating canes, resulting in an impeccable crisscross pattern.

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

The modern element in this classic design is the custom hardware. Made from solid brass, it houses an Italian-manufactured LED module mounted on the inner surface of the fixture. This energy-efficient module provides 1000 lumens of light output, is dimmable, and boasts a CRI above 90 for optimal color rendering. The absence of a central socket and bulb allows the mesmerizing filigree pattern to remain fully visible. The silk wire and UL-CE SELV driver are elegantly integrated into the brass canopy.