Clessidre by Venini

The Venini Clessidra is a timeless design object that blends artistic expression with the centuries-old tradition of Murano glassmaking. Originally designed in 1957 by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini, this distinctive decorative piece represents the poetic passage of time through the elegant form of an hourglass.

Crafted entirely by master glassmakers in Murano, the Clessidra features two delicately blown glass bulbs connected at the center. Inside, fine grains of sand flow continuously from one chamber to the other, symbolizing the invisible yet constant movement of time. As the sand moves between the two glass forms, it absorbs the surrounding colors, becoming visually integrated with the glass itself.

The object is created using the Incalmo technique, a complex Murano glassmaking method that fuses different colored glass elements together to form a seamless composition. The surface is then sandblasted, giving the piece a refined matte finish that enhances its sculptural presence.

Elegant and symbolic, the Clessidra is both a decorative sculpture and a collectible design object. Its refined proportions and balanced color composition make it ideal for display on consoles, shelves, or coffee tables, where it becomes a striking conversation piece and a tribute to Italian design heritage.