Pair of decorative balls/stair balls in Murano glass from the 1970s.

Pair of decorative balls or staircase balls made of Murano glass from the 1970s. Manufactured in France, in brass and glass. The island of Murano, near Venice, has been renowned for its excellence in glasswork since the 13th century: mastery of blowing, intense colours, deep transparencies. In the 20th century, companies like Venini, Barovier & Toso, Seguso, and A.V. Mazzega innovated with techniques such as sommerso, murrine, filigrana, and avventurina. In the 1970s, the trend was towards sculptural volumes and effects of layered colours or controlled bubbles. These two staircase balls (newel posts) illustrate this craftsmanship. Mounted on bases (brass/steel) for installation, they can also serve as standalone decorative objects (on a pedestal or console). Decorative and luminous pieces, typical of Murano from the 70s.