Ludovico Diaz de Santillana ceiling lamp

An exceptional Model 819 “Anemone” ceiling lamp designed by Ludovico Diaz de Santillana and produced by Venini in Murano, Italy, during the 1970s. A striking example of Italian modernist lighting, the lamp combines the refined tradition of Venetian glassmaking with an expressive, organic design.

The lamp features a large, spherical glass shade distinguished by its delicate pale green decoration, which extends vertically from the upper section in a series of elongated, irregular lines. These flowing, droplet-like forms gradually dissolve into the transparent lower half of the globe, creating a beautiful contrast between color, transparency, and texture.

The intricate glass decoration evokes the delicate movement of underwater flora, reflecting the natural inspiration behind the “Anemone” name. The subtle variations in the green glass give the surface a sense of depth and movement, while the transparent lower section allows light to pass freely through the sphere.

When illuminated, the lamp takes on an entirely different character. The green glass decoration transforms into a warm, luminous pattern, emphasizing the individual glass trails and casting a soft, atmospheric glow. The interplay between the illuminated upper section and the transparent lower hemisphere creates a particularly captivating visual effect.

The spherical shade is finished with a shallow green metal cap and suspended from a slender chrome fitting, creating a restrained architectural contrast to the expressive glasswork. The simple suspension allows the intricate glass shade to remain the central focus of the design.

With its generous proportions, sculptural presence, and sophisticated use of color and transparency, the “Anemone” lamp is a distinctive example of Venini’s experimental approach to glass and lighting design during the 1970s. Equally compelling when illuminated or unlit, it functions both as a source of atmospheric light and as an independent sculptural object.