A mid-century modern reference for today’s Murano glassmakers, Carlo Nason influenced the current tradition of glassmaking on an island renowned for it for hundreds of years. Celebrated for their exceptional designs, Nason’s lighting fixtures are sought after by collectors worldwide.
Learning to design and craft pieces from the family vetreria — rather than partaking in any formal training — Nason was working with the maestros at his family’s company furnace, V. Nason & C., attached to their family home by the time he was 11 years old. Although his roots are in Murano glassmaking, he took inspiration from the clean lines and natural colors of the Japanese metal vases he had seen in his youth at Milanese fairs.
Wanting to produce modern glass lamps, Nason worked with his family friend Gianni Mazzega of Mazzega Murano. For his Cascata chandelier (Italian for “waterfall”), which debuted in the 1960s, Nason achieved the effect of cascading water through an inverted pyramid of hanging glass plates, each individually mouth-blown and suspended from a chrome-plated frame for a dazzling, Art Deco–styled display.
The 1970s and 1980s were productive and creative years for Nason as the sole and independent designer at Mazzega Murano. His prolific career has also seen him design for other lighting manufacturers like I TRE, Murano Due and Kalmar.
After a mere four years as a glassmaker, Carlo Nason had his creations displayed at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. The credit for the artisan’s pieces that were included in “Glass 1959” went to his family’s company, but the designs were all authored by Carlo.
Stepping away from the traditional, vibrant Murano stylings, Nason kept true to his inspiration, working with modern and simple forms that are relatively free of color. Nason told Palainco in a rare 2019 interview that his emotions inspired the shapes. And his legacy includes fixtures that are irreplicable and unreproducible, too — Nason made lighting pieces with multiple layers of glass that would be too costly or difficult to recreate today, and some designs were made with processes and materials now unavailable or banned in the glassmaking world.
Find an array of vintage Carlo Nason table lamps, floor lamps, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
Pair of Carlo Nason wall lights. Italy c1960
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega
Located in London, GB
A pair of Carlo Nason wall lights for Mazzega. Italy c1960 Opalescent glass Each light takes 2 x SES E14 light bulb
Brass
$1,691 / set
H 19.69 in W 15.95 in D 5.91 in
Pair of Wall Lights Lamps Carlo Nason Mazzega Glass Midcentury Italy 1970
By Mazzega, Carlo Nason
Located in Palermo, IT
Carlo Nason, large pair of 4-light wall lamps. Painted metal structure. 9 glasses for each wall lamp, divided into 5 levels. Transparent glass and oval-shaped lattimo. Once mounted t...
Metal
$3,812 / set
H 7.88 in W 10.63 in D 14.97 in
Pair of Large Version “Gamma” Wall Sconces by Sergio Mazza for Artemide, 1960s
By Sergio Mazza, Artemide
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional pair of wall sconces from the iconic "Gamma" series, designed by Sergio Mazza for Artemide in the 1960s. This is the largest and most desirable version of the model, measuring approximately 27 cm in diameter, 38 cm deep, and 20 cm high, offering a more substantial architectural presence than the smaller variants commonly encountered on the market. The design perfectly reflects Sergio Mazza’s mastery of geometric form and material balance. Each fixture is composed of a large spherical diffuser in finely ribbed pressed glass, enclosed by a sculptural brushed nickel-plated brass structure that wraps elegantly around the globe, creating a striking interplay between transparency, texture, and metal. When illuminated, the radial pattern embedded within the glass becomes particularly evident, diffusing light evenly while producing a soft, atmospheric glow. The substantial dimensions and balanced proportions allow these sconces to function not only as lighting fixtures but also as sculptural wall elements. What makes this pair especially remarkable is its condition and provenance. These sconces come from a rare old stock acquisition and have never been installed or used. As shown in the photographs, they are still preserved in their original Artemide bags, an increasingly rare circumstance for lighting produced over half a century ago. The brushed nickel-plated brass surfaces retain their original finish, while the pressed glass diffusers remain beautifully preserved. The overall presentation is exceptionally crisp, displaying the freshness and integrity normally associated with contemporary production rather than vintage pieces. Designed by Sergio Mazza during Artemide’s formative years, the Gamma series represents one of the earliest expressions of the company's commitment to combining technical innovation with refined Italian modernism. Today these models are increasingly sought after by collectors, architects, and design enthusiasts for their timeless aesthetic and versatility. Presented in outstanding New Old Stock condition, complete with original Artemide packaging. A rare opportunity to acquire an unused pair of the largest Gamma wall sconces...
Brass, Nickel
$667 / set
H 9.06 in W 2.37 in D 4.93 in
Pair of wall lights by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy 1950's
By Max Ingrand
Located in Trieste, IT
Pair of chrome plated and satinated glass wall lights designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte.
Brass, Chrome
Pair of Giuseppe Ostuni Wall Lights, 1960s
By Oluce, Giuseppe Ostuni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful pair of 1960s wall lights by Giuseppe Ostuni for Oluce attributed, articulated wall lights in black enameled metal and brass, fully adjustable. One E12 socket per fixture, ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Wall Lamps, 1960s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare model. Produced 1960s. Measure: Height 40 cm. Excellent condition.
Chrome
Pair of Italian Vintage Wall Lights Sconces, 1960s
By Alessandro Sciolari
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful pair of modernist chrome and brass wall sconces. Italy, 1960s-1970s Lamp sockets: 3.
Brass, Chrome
Pair of J.T. Kalmar Wall Lights, 1950s
By Stilnovo, Gino Sarfatti, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
Fine pair of J.T. Kalmar wall lights from the 1950s. Very nice original condition with patina on the brass and minimal wear to the original lacquer. One original brass E27 socket wit...
Aluminum, Brass
$7,147 / set
H 22.05 in W 4.73 in D 4.34 in
Torpedo wall sconces designed by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, 1960s
By Carlo Nason
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Large wall sconces designed by Carlo Nason for Mazzega, Italy 1960s. Brushed metal structure, opal glass diffuser. Excellent condition. Mazzega’s origins date back to 1946 in Murano...
Metal
$2,620 / set
H 11.82 in W 6.11 in D 6.7 in
Pair of Italian Vintage Minimalist Wall Lights Sconces, 1960s
By Alessandro Sciolari
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful architectural pair of modernist brass and hand blown opal white glass wall sconces. Italy, 1960s Lamp sockets: 1. Measures: Base, D 4.4 In (11.2 cm).
Brass
