A set of 'High Society' glassware, model no. 3006, designed 1962

The ‘High Society’ set of glassware designed by Ludovico Diaz de Santillana in 1962 represents the most costly series of glassware ever produced by Venini. The production of the model, reminiscent of vessels painted by Giorgio Morandi, was exceptionally time consuming. Although of simple shape, the surface of each piece was finished in the sumptuous battuto technique, pleasing to the eye, but also to the touch. The retail price, even at the time, was prohibitively expensive.

The name of the series was given in homage to Clara Agnelli, an old client of the Venini shop in San Marco, in occasion of her marriage to Conte Giovanni Nuvoletti. Clara Agnelli ordered a large set of these glasses, which Venini named ‘High Society’ in honour of the bride and groom.

Because of the incredibly high price, Bianca Carraro’s brother Francesco for a long time refused to purchase a set, but resolved to acquire some to for his collection shortly before the firm stopped producing the model, in 1999. The present lot was intended as a set of six, however Bianca ordered seven examples for each type, as opposed to six, anticipating the need for a replacement.