Some objects rely on contrast rather than complexity. The ‘Riccio’ vase by Gae Aulenti for Venini, designed in 2006 follows this approach through the combination of a sculptural silhouette and refined Venetian glassmaking. In this green edition, the familiar form takes on a more luminous and aquatic presence, shifting in tone depending on the surrounding light.

Design

The vase presents a spherical body executed in transparent green blown glass with an iridescent finish that moves between emerald, petrol and violet reflections. Across the surface, hand-applied pointed protrusions emerge rhythmically from circular glass pads, creating a tactile composition that feels both organic and architectural. Light refracts through the translucent body and casts layered shadows around the object, reinforcing the sculptural quality of the design.

Gae Aulenti approached objects with the same spatial awareness seen in her architectural work. Rather than treating the vase as a decorative vessel alone, she transformed it into a compact glass sculpture with volume and tension. Venini’s long-standing expertise in Murano glassmaking becomes evident in the execution of the applied elements, each carefully attached while the glass remained molten. Produced in a limited edition of fifty examples, this piece is signed and numbered ‘venini 2006 gae aulenti 21/50’ on the base.

The composition balances playfulness with restraint. From a distance, the silhouette appears almost celestial, whereas the closer view reveals the precision and rhythm of the hand-worked details.

Condition

The vase remains in very good condition with only minimal signs of age and handling. The glass surface is well preserved, with no chips or cracks observed, and all applied elements remain intact and secure.