6
Jardin de Verre
design Alessandro La Spada
The Jardin de Verre collection by Alessandro La Spada, a love story between man and nature, the
tale 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 that seeds and spores not only germinate but survive for years.
His observation led to the so called “Wardian cases”, true ecosystems which allowed transporta-
tion of plants and flowers from one continent to another and became decorative 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 objects are a declaration of the skill and
art of the Murano Masters: the cactus with curved leaves; the delicate, 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 delicate, subtle colour palette – amethyst, honey, periwinkle blue and crystal
combined with the bright gold of the metal elements – lend a decidedly dreamlike atmosphere to
the collection.
