Toni Zuccheri for Venini Murano Corteccia Glass Pendant, 1960s

Corteccia, or bark glass, was impressed with a pattern resembling the rough surface of tree bark. The abstract pattern on glass served several purposes. Not only was the glass attractive but also the gnarled surface with its divets and raised lines had an effect on the refraction of light. It turned out to be an Corteccia was usually found on tubular or ribbon-shaped glass like on this fixture. Just one of the impressive designs (along with the Tronchi and the Espirit) that Toni Zuccheri designed for Venini.