The Art of Light: Licio Zanetti and the Legacy of Murano Glass - By Treasures of Bako — Have we got a gem for you.

A Legacy Cast in Glass

From the heart of Venice’s lagoon rises Murano — an island where fire meets art and sand becomes light. For centuries, Murano’s master glassmakers have transformed molten crystal into works of breathtaking brilliance. Their creations shimmer with history, emotion, and technical mastery — the hallmarks of true Venetian craftsmanship.

Among those artisans, one name stands as a symbol of sculptural grace and artistic precision: Licio Zanetti. Founder of Zanetti Vetreria Artistica, he elevated glass to the realm of sculpture, infusing each piece with energy, movement, and meaning. Today, his works are celebrated worldwide as icons of mid-century Italian design — and one of his finest examples now rests within the Treasures of Bako Glass Collection.

A Masterpiece of Strength and Grace

Commanding attention at 16 inches tall and weighing over 11 pounds, this vintage Licio Zanetti Murano Elephant Sculpture embodies power and elegance in perfect balance. Hand-blown from pure, clear glass, the elephant’s trunk rises proudly toward the sky — a timeless symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.

Beneath it, a spherical base anchors the composition. Its surface features the signature bullicante technique, with perfectly suspended air bubbles that catch and reflect light like scattered constellations beneath the glass. The result is mesmerizing — an interplay of clarity, depth, and luminescence that defines true Murano artistry.

This piece bears the Zanetti Murano label and etched Vetri Murano mark, confirming its authenticity. Its condition remains exceptional, free of chips or cracks — a remarkable preservation of Italian excellence and mid-century artistry.

Every contour, from the curvature of the trunk to the balance of the stance, reveals the intuition of a master craftsman. It’s more than sculpture — it’s an emotion captured in glass.

The Symbolism of the Elephant

Across cultures, the elephant has always stood for strength, intelligence, loyalty, and protection. In Murano glass, those attributes are elevated to art — their clarity symbolizing purity, and their upward trunk embodying triumph.

This sculpture brings that timeless symbolism into any setting — whether displayed as a statement centerpiece, an heirloom collectible, or a beacon of good fortune in a refined modern home. It’s not just décor; it’s an energy piece, an object that carries presence, story, and soul.

Murano Glass: Centuries of Venetian Mastery

For over 700 years, Murano has been the heart of the world’s most celebrated glassmaking. Generations of artisans have preserved and evolved ancient techniques — sommerso, bullicante, filigrana — creating treasures that define artistry through light.

Each Murano sculpture is a reflection of that lineage — a combination of invention, patience, and perfection that can only come from the island’s fiery furnaces. To hold a Murano creation is to hold a fragment of Italian history.

At Treasures of Bako, we honor that legacy by curating exceptional examples like this Zanetti Murano Elephant, a showcase of Venetian brilliance and timeless design.

Explore the Treasures of Bako Glass Collection

While this extraordinary Zanetti Murano Elephant stands as a masterpiece, it’s only one highlight within our ever-growing Glass Collection.

Discover vintage art glass, Italian crystal, mid-century sculpture, and other remarkable works that capture the spirit of elegance and craftsmanship. Each piece in our collection has been hand-selected for its story, quality, and timeless appeal.

✨ Explore the Full Glass Collection →
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Experience the light. Feel the artistry. Own the story.

A Reflection of Beauty, A Legacy Preserved

The Licio Zanetti Murano Elephant Sculpture isn’t just art — it’s legacy.
It’s the embodiment of what Treasures of Bako represents: heritage, craftsmanship, and the thrill of rediscovery.

Every piece we unveil is more than an object — it’s a moment in time, a piece of history, and a story waiting to continue in your collection.

By Treasures of Bako — Have we got a gem for you.