The Jardin de Verre collection by Alessandro La Spada, a love story between man and nature, the taie of a nineteenth century English Doctor, Nathaniel B. Ward, who was passionate about botany. Observing the metamorphosis of a chrysalis closed in a jar with a handful of earth, Ward discovered tbat seeds and spores not only germinate but survive for years.
His observation led to the so called “Wardian cases”, true ecosystems which allowed transportation of plants and flowers from one continent to another and became décorative features in houses of the time.
The chandelier, as well as the wall lamps, bases and table lamps in the Jardin de Verre collection reproduce the most beautiful bell shape of Wardian cases and enclose three different items made from glass. The complexity and sheer beauty of the glass objecta are a déclaration of the skill and art of the Murano Masters: the cactus with curved leaves; the délicate, graceful butterflies sitting on fine branches; the notched cup of the bell and its precious clapper.
The client can compose and alternate the three subjects to obtain a totally customized object.
An overall embellishing touch is given by cartridge shaped arms to support the bell.
The arms are crafted with spiral streaks which can only be executed by exceptionally talented glass Masters.
The unusual délicate, subtle oolour palette - amethyst, honey, periwinkle blue and crystal combined with the bright gold of the métal éléments - lend a decidedly dreamlike atmosphère to the collection.