Fixtures in ever-changing light

Hand-blown glass is to Murano, Italy, what movies are to Hollywood. But like a blockbuster that has spawned too many imitations, Murano -- baroque shapes and Byzantine busyness in deep jewel tones -- was looking tired. That is, until La Murrina was founded in 1968 by a group of master glass blowers on the island of Murano. The firm began producing contemporary pieces such as the Duse chandelier (pictured), as well as showcasing traditional Venetian designs in contemporary spaces, the juxtaposition giving new life to old forms.

La Murrina products are sold in Los Angeles exclusively by Murano Designer Lighting, which opened in August. In addition to chandeliers, the company offers table and floor lamps, sconces and tiles, as well as tableware, vases, mirror frames and sculptural objects at prices ranging from $500 for lamps to $80,000 for enormous chandeliers. All pieces are handmade and engraved by hand with the company’s name.

Murano Designer Lighting, 8428 Melrose Ave.; (323) 852-1800.

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Andrew Myers