Pair of Murano "Rostrato" Glass and Unlacquered Brass Sconces, Italy

Pair of Murano "Rostrato" Glass Sconces with Polished Unlacquered Brass Backplates, Italy. Elegant and sculptural pair of Murano glass wall sconces featuring the distinctive “rostrato” technique—characterized by meticulously hand-pulled spikes of clear glass during the melting and molding stages that create a richly textured surface. The Rostrato technique, developed by Ercole Barovier, is a complex process involving extruding a series of spikes or points from hot glass using specialized tools. This labor-intensive technique requires immense skill, precision, and time to execute correctly, and even slight errors can compromise the result. Rostrato glass is not mass-produced, and each piece is unique due to the handmade nature of the technique. The difficulty of the technique means Rostrato pieces are not easy to find, adding to their desirability and price.
Each sconce is composed of two opposing conical glass elements mounted on a central polished unlacquered brass backplate and ribbed arm, providing a striking interplay of light, shadow, and form. The polished brass offers a warm, timeless contrast to the crystalline clarity of the glass, while the exposed hardware highlights the craftsmanship and refined detailing. These pieces are ideal for adding visual interest and ambient illumination to hallways, living spaces, or bedrooms, blending mid-century glamour with Venetian artistry. On display at the Gallery at 200 Lex at the New York Design Center.