Murano Glass Chandelier attributed to Guglielmo Ulrich for Strada, Italy, 1940s

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Description

An exceptional and extremely rare chandelier designed by guglielmo ulrich and executed by strada, milan, circa 1940. A remarkable example … Read more An exceptional and extremely rare chandelier designed by guglielmo ulrich and executed by strada, milan, circa 1940. A remarkable example of italian decorative modernism, the chandelier combines a sculptural patinated brass and metal structure with a hand-blown murano glass cylindrical shade, attributable with a very high degree of confidence to seguso vetri d'arte. The composition is particularly sophisticated and highly architectural. A long central stem is articulated by a striking succession of handcrafted circular brass elements, creating a strong decorative rhythm throughout the suspension. The lower body is surrounded by a dramatic crown of individually shaped pointed leaves. Their deep, naturally aged patina contrasts beautifully with the warmer golden tones of the brass interior, creating an extraordinary sculptural effect both when the chandelier is illuminated and when switched off. At the centre, a transparent hand-blown murano glass cylinder surrounds the light sources, allowing the light to reveal the different textures, reflections and tonal variations of the metals. The glass is attributable almost certainly to seguso vetri d'arte, one of the most important murano manufacturers of the period. Its quality, proportions, execution and characteristic venetian workmanship are highly consistent with known seguso production from the late 1930s and early 1940s.

although no documentary label or archival reference survives on the present example, the attribution can be considered extremely plausible. A spherical glass finial completes the composition at the bottom. With its elegant and unusually slender proportions — approximately 23 cm in diameter and 100 cm in height — the chandelier has a particularly strong vertical presence while remaining visually refined and balanced. The chandelier retains a beautiful original aged patina, with natural oxidation, surface variations and traces of age that give remarkable depth and character to the piece. These characteristics have deliberately been preserved rather than removed through excessive restoration.

several lighting designs created by ulrich during the late 1930s and early 1940s were executed by the milanese manufacturer strada, whose production is closely associated with some of his most refined lighting projects. The combination of finely worked metal and venetian glass is also fully consistent with ulrich's decorative language of the period, in which architectural precision was often softened by precious materials and highly sophisticated artisanal details. The unusual combination of its elongated architectural structure, distinctive circular ornaments, crown-like lower body, original patinated surfaces and seguso-attributed hand-blown murano glass makes this an exceptionally decorative and highly collectible example of italian lighting from the late 1930s / early 1940s. A rare and highly distinctive piece of italian decorative design from the period. Good original vintage condition, with beautiful age-related patina, oxidation and minor traces of wear consistent with its age and use. The original surfaces have intentionally been preserved. The chandelier retains its original vintage wiring and will require rewiring by a qualified electrician in accordance with the electrical standards and regulations of the country in which it will be installed. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution,
up to 250v (europe/uk standard).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less