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A hand-blown Murano glass handkerchief vase displaying spiraling vertical ribbons of emerald green, canary yellow, and white latticino filigree. - Photo 1
The Item

This exquisite Mid-Century Modern handkerchief vase, or fazzoletto, is a breathtaking testament to the master glassblowers of Murano, Italy. Handcrafted using traditional Venetian glassmaking techniques from the mid-20th century, the vessel features alternating vertical canes of intricate zanfirico and latticino ribbon work. Sinuous bands of vibrant emerald green, lime, and rich canary yellow spiral gracefully from the polished pontil base to the dramatically ruffled rim. Each delicate cane is meticulously twisted and fused, creating a mesmerizing play of translucent color, light, and architectural geometry that defines the golden era of Italian art glass. The classic handkerchief form—pioneered in the late 1940s by designers Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini—mimics the fluid drape of woven fabric frozen in mid-air. To achieve this organic, wind-swept contour, the glassmaker gathers the hot, molten glass on a blowpipe and uses swift, decisive rotations to let centrifugal force flare the rim outward. The resulting piece is entirely unique, with a sculptural presence that shifts dynamically depending on the angle of view. Highly sought after by collectors of Venetian design, this spectacular vessel serves beautifully as a centerpiece bowl or a standalone sculptural statement. This piece measures approximately 9 inches in height, 10 inches in diameter, and weighs 4.5 pounds.

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