Since the ancient Romans began excavating the stone more than 2,000 years ago, innovative technology has emerged, blending art and craftsmanship to elevate furniture and decor into new poetic forms.

Early Renaissance sculptor Donatello was influenced by his work as a metalworker. His saints and angels were sculpted in marble via a technique called “rilievo schiacciato” (squashed relief) and was fortified by his almost supernatural, meticulous dedication.

Visions, enhanced with shadows and emotion, came to life on marble through sketching the stone and chiseling and carving entirely by hand.

Nowadays, machinery like edge polishers make calibration, grinding, shaping and beveling possible with great ease and high-pressure waterjet cutting and polishing systems used for complex contours and sensitive materials. From the trade fair grounds of Marmomac in Verona to Venice-based craft biennial Homo Faber, marble furniture, decor and lighting are taking on new poetic forms that defy gravity. WWD explores new launches that echo an emerging dialogue between material, technology, light and design.

Kreoo was established in 2010 by Decormarmi, a historic Italian marble manufacturing company based in Chiampo, Italy. Named for the Greek term kreion, which means “one who makes, who creates,” the firm makes sophisticated marble furnishings and lighting envisaged for luxury residences. New lighting includes the Litia lamp designed by acclaimed Venetian designer Enzo Berti — a transparent Murano glass orb placed upon a pond of polished stone. It’s an absolutely original concept for what can only be described as a sculpture lamp, a presence that fascinates and surprises, day and night, lit or unlit.

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