Description

The Fazzoletto Talpa Vase is one of VENINI’s most recognizable creations and an icon of 20th-century Italian design. Designed in 1948 by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini, it transforms blown glass into a soft, sculptural form inspired by a handkerchief caught in motion.

Creating this distinctive shape requires exceptional skill and precise control of the molten glass. The master glassmaker blows the glass and shapes the rim using the mano volantetechnique, a free-hand method performed without molds. The signature waves along the upper rim are formed through the glassmaker’s hand movements, gravity, and careful control of the glass temperature. There is only a brief window in which to work: as the glass cools, it quickly becomes less pliable and can no longer be shaped in the same way.

The Talpa is a soft opaline color between milky white and warm taupe gray-beige. The glass changes subtly in appearance under natural and artificial light. Its understated, neutral tone pairs beautifully with light-colored materials, dark woods, marble, travertine, bronze, and neutral textiles.

Each vase has subtle variations in the opening, the height and movement of the waves, and the way light travels through the glass. These variations are a natural result of the handmade process and make every piece unique.

At approximately 31 cm (12.2 in) tall, the vase can be displayed empty as a sculptural art object or used for arrangements with orchids, calla lilies, magnolia branches, and other decorative branches.

Technical Specifications

Design: Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini
Manufacturer: VENINI
Collection: Handkerchief
Project Year: 1948
Type: artistic vase and decorative sculpture
Material: authentic Murano art glass
Origin: Murano, Venice – Italy
Color: Talpa, opaline taupe gray-beige
Techniques: mano volante «free-hand technique», glass blowing, and opaline glassworking
Craftsmanship: entirely hand-blown and hand-shaped
Height: approximately 31 cm (12.2 in)
Diameter: approximately 23 cm (9.1 in)
Weight: to be confirmed
Estimated availability: approximately 2 weeks

What’s Included

The set includes:

• 1 VENINI Fazzoletto Talpa vase
• indicative dimensions: Ø 23 × H 31 cm (Ø 9.1 × H 12.2 in)
• Certificate of Authenticity;
• Documentation confirming the origin of the piece

The shape of the waves and the opening of the rim may vary slightly from one vase to another. These differences are not defects. They are natural characteristics of the mano volante technique and the hand-shaping process.

Use & Styling

The vase can be displayed:

• on an entrance console;
• on a sideboard or credenza;
• as a centerpiece on a table;
• on a marble or stone pedestal;
• in an illuminated niche;
• in a lobby or entrance hall;
• in a professional office or studio;
• in a suite or boutique hotel;
• in a display dedicated to Italian design.

It can be displayed empty as a sculptural object or styled with:

• white orchids;
• calla lilies;
• magnolia branches;
• olive branches;
• minimalist floral arrangements.

The Talpa color pairs beautifully with Calacatta marble, travertine, onyx, oak, Canaletto walnut, satin-finished bronze, burnished brass, ecru linen, sand-colored leather, and taupe textiles.

It works especially well in Quiet Luxury, Contemporary Luxury, Modern Classic, Italian Contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, and contemporary Art Deco interiors.

Included in the Price

• quality inspection before shipment;
• professional certified packaging designed for fine art glass;
• Certificate of Authenticity
• documentation certifying the origin of the product;
• Full shipping insurance;
• International delivery;
• After-sales support;
• technical consultation;
• consulting for inclusion in interior design.

Why Choose the Fazzoletto Talpa

The Fazzoletto combines design history, an instantly recognizable silhouette, and sophisticated Murano glassmaking. Its distinctive shape is not produced through standardized industrial molding. Each vase is shaped by hand while the glass is still molten and pliable.

The mano volante technique makes every piece unique. Within a matter of seconds, the master glassmaker must control the opening of the vase, maintain the balance of the form, and create the characteristic movement of the wavy rim. Because no mold determines the final shape of these waves, subtle differences are an integral part of each handmade piece. The soft opaline Talpa color also makes this version particularly versatile in contemporary interiors. Its neutral taupe gray-beige tone is easier to combine with natural materials and understated color palettes than more intensely colored versions.

The vase can be used for floral arrangements, but retains its decorative value even when completely empty. It's suitable as a wedding gift, anniversary gift, housewarming gift, corporate gift, or as a purchase for collectors, architects, and Italian design enthusiasts. The vase can hold floral arrangements, but it does not need flowers to make an impact. Displayed empty, it functions as a sculptural piece of Murano art glass and a recognizable example of historic Italian design. It makes a distinctive wedding, anniversary, or housewarming gift, as well as a sophisticated corporate gift. It is also an important decorative piece for collectors, architects, interior designers, and enthusiasts of Italian design.