Carlo Nason

Carlo Nason – Murano Glass in the Space Age

Italian designer Carlo Nason played an important role in bringing the traditional craft of Murano glass into the modern design world of the 1960s and 1970s.

Born on the island of Murano in 1935, Nason grew up surrounded by generations of glassmakers, which deeply influenced his approach to design.

During the Space Age period, Nason collaborated with the Venetian glass manufacturer A.V. Mazzega. Together they created a series of striking lighting designs that combined traditional glassblowing techniques with bold modern forms.

Unlike many earlier Murano designs that were decorative and ornate, Nason’s work often emphasized clean shapes, layered glass, and strong sculptural presence. His lamps frequently used thick blown glass, sometimes in stacked or modular forms, creating a warm, diffused light that became characteristic of many Space Age interiors.

Today, Carlo Nason’s lighting designs are highly appreciated by collectors of vintage Italian design. They represent a moment when Murano craftsmanship met the futuristic optimism of the Space Age era, resulting in lighting pieces that remain both elegant and distinctive.