58 - CINI BOERI (Milan, 1924–2020) For Venini

CINI BOERI (Milan, 1924–2020) For Venini “Chiara” table lamp, 1984. Murano glass and metal. Measurements: 55 x 45 x 45 cm. “Chiara” table lamp, designed by Cini Boeri and produced by the prestigious Venetian firm Venini in Murano in the 1980s. The lamp is composed of a series of basic forms: a conical base made of painted metal, a cylindrical stem of blown glass, and a wide, circular shade made of double-layered glass. The vertical arrangement of these elements is marked by contrast with the horizontal spread of the shade, creating a balanced composition with an almost architectural character. The collaboration between Cini Boeri and Venini reflects the convergence of contemporary industrial design and one of Italy’s most renowned artisanal traditions. Founded in Murano in 1921, Venini played an essential role in the renewal of artistic glass during the 20th century, collaborating with architects, artists, and designers interested in exploring the technical and expressive possibilities of this material. In this context, “Chiara” stands out for translating the art of Murano glass into a functional object with clean lines and a strong sculptural presence. Cini Boeri was one of the most prominent Italian architects and designers of the second half of the 20th century. She graduated from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1951 and, after a period of collaboration with architect Marco Zanuso, began her independent professional career in 1963, opening her own studio dedicated to architecture and industrial design. Among her most renowned creations are the “Serpentone” seating system (1971), the “Strips” sofa for Arflex, which won the Compasso d’Oro in 1979, and the “Ghost” armchair for Fiam (1987), crafted from a single sheet of curved glass and which has become one of the iconic pieces of contemporary Italian design.