Fazzoletto vase Zanfirico by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini, Venice, Murano, 1950s

This 'Fazzoletto' vase by Fulvio Bianconi features the characteristic shape of a handkerchief. Made using the Zanfirico technique, the vase contains fine twisted blue and white glass canes that create beautiful patterns. Height: 14 cm. Diameter: 15 cm. Origin: Italy, 1950s. Material: Glass. Fulvio Bianconi (1915–1996) was an influential Italian graphic designer and glass artist who modernised the legendary Murano glass after World War II. His creative journey began in graphic art and caricature in Milan, until his meeting with glassblower Paolo Venini in 1946. This encounter led to a revolutionary collaboration with the Venini design house, where Bianconi broke away from tradition with vibrant colours, asymmetry, and humour. He designed world-renowned icons, such as the wavy Fazzoletto vase (handkerchief vase) and the colourful geometric Pezzati (patchwork cat vases).