Creative Path from the Very Start
Early on the son of musician Virginio and Elvira, a housewife, showed an exceptional talent for drawing. In Venice, he attended the Carmini School of Art and worked as an apprentice decorator in Michele Pinto's workshop.
Later he worked in various locations in northern Italy and Istria, drawing and decorating churches and making portraits. In 1933 Dino Villani introduced him to graphic design work at Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, Motta, and other Milanese publishing houses. In the 1950s he worked as a graphic designer for companies such as FIAT, Marzotto, Pirelli, Rai, HMV, and other well-known companies.
Venini Vases: Bianconi's Most Famous Designs
“Pezzato Arlecchino” Vases: Mesmerizing Mosaics
The design of his “Pezzato Arlecchino” series is characterized by its vibrant, patchwork-like pattern made of irregularly shaped, colorful glass pieces, reminiscent of the colorful costume of the Harlequin (Arlecchino) character from the Italian Commedia dell'arte theater. The term "Pezzato" translates to "patchwork" or "patched" in Italian, reflecting the mosaic-like appearance of the glass objects.
- Each piece is handcrafted, making every item unique in its specific arrangement and color distribution.
- The design from Bianconi is produced by Venini, one of the most prestigious and innovative glass manufacturers in Murano, Italy.
- The design aligns with the mid-century modern aesthetic, emphasizing bold colors and dynamic forms.
“Pezzato Arlecchino“ vases are highly sought after by collectors.
“A Spirale” Vases: Elegant Curves
Bianconi’s “A Spirale” series prominently features spiraling lines or bands that wrap around the glass object, creating a dynamic and flowing appearance. The spirals are meticulously applied to the glass surface during the manufacturing process.
Objects featuring the "A Spirale" design include vases, bowls, and other decorative glassware. They convey a sense of movement and elegance – an organic and fluid form. As with the "Pezzato" design, the "A Spirale" design is produced by Venini. These pieces stand out as dynamic and visually captivating works of art.
“Ritagli” Vases: Cuttings Create Texture
The “Ritagli” glass design is another iconic creation by Fulvio Bianconi for the Venini glassworks company, characterized by its unique approach to incorporating cut or "ritagli" (Italian for "scraps" or "cuttings") of glass into the design.
Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the process involves fusing the scraps into the main glass structure, which requires precision and experience.
This experimental technique achieves a striking visual effect with one-of-a-kind textures. Each piece is a statement of artistic creativity and innovation.
Fazzoletto Vases: Capturing the Motion of Soft Fabric
The “Fazzoletto” vase, also known as the "handkerchief vase," is a highly iconic design in the world of glass art and a testament to the innovation and creativity of post-war Italian art. The design is credited to Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini.
Its shape mimics the fluid and flowing form of a handkerchief or a piece of fabric. The edges are typically wavy, undulating, and free form, giving the vase an organic and dynamic appearance. This design captures the motion and softness of a handkerchief being draped or caught in the wind.
The hand-blown glass can be clear, colored, or decorated with various pattern techniques such as murrine (mosaic glass), filigrana (threads of glass), or other traditional Murano techniques.
Figures & Animals
Fulvio Bianconi's Figures and Animals capture a sense of movement and personality:
For example, the piece “Zebra with monkey” (1948-49) in opaque polychrome glass, combines traditional Murano glassmaking techniques with a modern, almost cartoonish aesthetic – highlighting Bianconi's talent for infusing his work with character and humor.