Few Venetian glass styles catch the light like Rostrato. Rows of small, pointed spurs cover the surface of the glass, and every point becomes a tiny prism. In clear crystal the effect is almost icy; when the lamp is switched on, the whole piece glows and sparkles at the same time.
What "Rostrato" means
The name comes from the Italian rostro, the beak or spur of a ship or bird. Rostrato means "beaked": a good description of glass covered in rows of sharp little points.
A technique from the 1930s
The Rostrato technique is credited to Ercole Barovier, one of the great names of Murano glass, who developed it in 1938. Vintage Rostrato lamps and vases from the late 1930s and 1940s are now sought after by collectors, and the style has remained a classic of Venetian design ever since.
How Rostrato glass is made
Rostrato is slow, skilled work. While the glass is still hot, the glassmaker pulls out a series of points from the surface, using a thin strand of glass to draw each one, and builds them up row after row until the whole piece is covered. The spacing and size of the points must stay regular around the piece, so a single lamp base can take a long time at the furnace. Because every point is formed by hand, no two Rostrato pieces are identical.
Why clear glass works best
Rostrato can be made in colour, but it is most often seen in clear crystal. Clear glass lets the light pass through each point and break into reflections, so the texture is visible both when the lamp is on and when it is off. It also fits almost any interior, from mid-century to contemporary.
Our Rostrato pieces
We make a small Rostrato collection in clear glass, inspired by the 20th-century originals:
- Pair of Rostrato table lamps, Ø15 x 25 cm, ideal on bedside tables or a console.
- Pair of Rostrato wall sconces, 25 x 22 cm, with brass or nickel fittings.
- Rostrato vase, 20 cm high and 20 cm wide, a striking gift.
How to use Rostrato lamps at home
- Bedside: a pair of table lamps on matching nightstands gives a soft, symmetrical light.
- Entrance or console: one lamp or the vase on a console table is enough to make a statement.
- Walls: Rostrato sconces work well on either side of a mirror or a bed.
- Bulbs: warm white bulbs (around 2700 K) bring out the glow of the glass; our Rostrato lamps use E12/E14 bulbs.
Caring for Rostrato glass
The points collect dust more easily than smooth glass. Dust regularly with a soft, dry brush, and for a deeper clean wash the glass in lukewarm water with a little mild soap, then dry it with a soft cloth. Read our step-by-step guide on how to clean Murano glass lighting.
Every piece is blown and finished by hand in our workshop on the mainland of Venice and ships with our certificate of origin. Questions about a piece? Write to us at info@solocosebelle.it.
