We're pleased to announce that we have contracted with American Glass Artist; Joe Cariati to create a new line of contemporary Murano Lamps.

Well they’re really not Murano Lamps, they are fashioned after our most popular vintage Murano Lamps.  We contracted with Los Angeles glass artist Joe Cariatito hand blow the glass bodies for this exciting lamp line extension. 

Joe Cariati is a designer and glassblower from Los Angeles who produces high quality, 100% hand-made, hand-crafted contemporary glassware. His collection of elegant bottles, bowls and vases are a response to the need for original hand-made work to be accessible, affordable and unique. All work is made by Joe, from start to finish using a Venetian off-hand glassblowing technique that makes each piece one-of-a-kind.  Joe’s glass collection is available at finer stores throughout the U.S. including Barneys, Gumps, and Haven.

The first phase of this new line of lamps will include 4 Joe Cariati designs inspired by his favorite vintage pieces at Swank Lighting.  Each design will be available in 5 hot colors.

Here are a few teaser photos of the first batch of glass bodies to come out of the oven.

The full line to launch at the end of summer.  Stay tuned for updates.

Treat Your Valentine To Ruby Red Murano Lamps

Big News: Swank's Murano Lamps chosen as "Must Have" by D Home Editors

 

Published January 5th, 2008

Back when I was a kid, nothing was more exciting than when my parents threw a party.  They would bring out the Dewar’s, fill relish trays with finger food and set up everything in the living room, which was only used for these nights.  The hi fi would be stacked with Tony Bennett and Frances Fay and the guests would arrive all dressed up.  Soon the room filled with smoke and laughter.

It was on one of these evenings that my mama got a hostess gift to end all gifts - a ceramic ashtray by Sascha Brastoff.  It was shaped like a UFO.  No, it was shaped like an igloo.  I had never seen anything so cool.

                                                                                                                   

It totally stood out from the sea of teak and Naugahyde that was our living room.  My mama never really appreciated the ashtray or the bubble-filled Murano lamp it sat next to.  That’s why she gave them to me as a present for my first house.  And, that’s what got me started on my Brastoff and Murano lamp collecting.

Sascha Brastoff was hugely famous for his ceramic works.  He had a very successful studio in Los Angeles in the 1950s, and was supplier to the stars in all matters ceramic.  Check out the well written bookby Steve Conti if you want more info on the late great Sascha B, as he signed his pieces.

You want my take on his pieces?  He is just now being rediscovered.  His art pieces can be had for a song, still.  Check out the current eBaylistings.  And in this Crate & Barrel / Design Within Reach world, Sascha is infinitely more affordable, more chic, and certainly more of an investment steeped with California heyday - Hollywood Regency lore.

My mama’s ashtray?  I still have it - are you kidding?  It’s priceless to me.

Sascha Brastoff pieces are part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as several other museums around the U.S.

Enjoy!

Big News: But I can’t spill the beans just yet

Published December 7th, 2007

Swank spent the last two days in Dallas for a photo shoot.  Our Murano Lamps are being featured in a major design publication early next year.  But I’ve been sworn to secrecy….. Stay Tuned!

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