For a range of work that includes everything from illustrating thousands of books and other publications to his role as a visionary glassmaker, Fulvio Bianconi is remembered as one of the most innovative cross-disciplinarian artists of the postwar era.
Born in Ponte di Brenta in 1915, Bianconi showed a prodigious talent for drawing at an early age and, as a teenager, earned money as a portraitist. He also worked as an apprentice decorator in his youth at the Murano glass furnaces, where he first discovered the art of glassmaking.
In 1933, he moved to Milan to pursue a career as a graphic artist, and it was there he met Dino Villani, a painter who had ties to some of Milan’s most prestigious publishing houses and advertising firms. However, at the onset of World War II, Bianconi paused his graphic design ambitions and joined the army. In 1944, he narrowly escaped the infamous Via Rasella Nazi raids in German-occupied Rome.
Following the war, Bianconi went to work designing perfume bottles for the Milan perfume house Giviemme at Venini glassworks, where he worked with glass masters Ermete and Arturo Biassuto. Bianconi became one of Venini’s most influential glass designers — and was appointed artistic director following Carlo Scarpa — known for his bold use of color, modern style and unique, playful designs.
Among Bianconi's most iconic works in glass are the series of glass figures from the Commedia dell’Arte, his remarkably fluid bowls, and the patchwork “Pezzato” technique — his colorful vases created with this technique feature patterns that resemble those of a patchwork quilt. Works made in this fashion caused a sensation at the 25th Venice Biennale in 1950.
Venini co-founder Paolo Venini’s best designs are thought to be his two-color Clessidre hourglasses, produced from 1957 onward, and the Fazzoletto (“handkerchief”) vase, designed with Bianconi in 1949.
Bianconi worked with several other glass studios, including Cenedese in 1954 and Vistosi in 1963, creating decorative vessels, bowls, hourglasses and sculptures. He was also a graphic designer with the Italian publishing house Garzanti for nearly 30 years. Bianconi’s portfolio of graphic design included work for FIAT, Pathé and Pirelli, among others.
Bianconi’s glassworks are held in museum collections worldwide, including London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. The artist died in 1996.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Fulvio Bianconi decorative objects, glassware and lighting.
Venini Vase 'Fazzoletto Opalino', by Fulvio Bianconi, 1950s
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Venini Vase 'Fazzoletto Opalino', by Fulvio Bianconi 1950s A Fazzoletto vase in opaline and rose glass with clear glass overlay. It was manufactured in the 1950s by Venini, Venice a...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Fulvio Bianconi Bowl Pezzato Americano, Venini, Murano 1950s
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Pezzato Americano bowl in yellow, green, straw and black colored glass designed by Fulvio Bianconi in 1950. Manufactured by Venini, Venice ca. 1950s. With acid etched signature "Ve...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
"Pezzato" Vase by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Milan, IT
Remarkable "Pezzato" vase by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini. Signed with three-line acid stamp to underside.
Murano Glass
$1,369Sale Price|20% Off
an amazing Fulvio Bianconi MURANO very heavy (2.25KG) 1970s BOWL or ashtray
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Landshut, BY
This is an incredible piece of craftsmanship! I was just 10 years old when my father, who worked in Milan where I grew up, bought this bowl in Venice together with a huge Fazzoletto...
Glass
$731Sale Price|25% Off
Venini Bianconi Murano White Purple Zanfirico Italian Art Glass Fazzoletto Vase
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage murano hand blown white and purple ribbons Italian art glass fazzoletto / handkerchief vase. Documented to designer Fulvio Bianconi, and signed "Venini Murano Itali...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Glass
Fulvio Bianconi "Fazzoletto" Vase for Venini
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Milan, IT
Fulvio Bianconi "Fazzoletto" vase for Venini. Iridescent turquoise and sang-de-boeuf glass.
Fulvio Bianconi 'Con Machi' Unique Venini Prototype
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Sharon, CT
Provenance: Gift from the artist- Maria Pia Bianconi- Piero Georgiades Sold with a letter of authenticity from Piero Georgiades, the nephew of Fulvio Bian...
Blown Glass
Rare Set of Two Murano Glass Bottles by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini, 1950s
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Milan, IT
Rare set of two bottles with stopper "A Fasce Verticali" by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini.
Murano Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, "Forato" Glass Vase, 1951
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi "Forato" Glass Vase, 1951 Venini Murano turquoise vase Marked: Venini H : 27.5 cm (10,8") Overall Very good condition The “Forato” series owes its name to the holes...
Glass
Ritagli model vase, Venini production, Designer Fulvio Bianconi
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Busnago, IT
This work by Fulvio Bianconi stems from the most innovative glassmaking technique in the 1900s: thin rectangular strips of glass are placed one on top of the other and then hand-appl...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, "Pezzato" Glass Vase, 1951
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi "Pezzato" Glass Vase, 1951 Venini Murano green blue red vase Marked: Venini H : 28 cm (11") Overall Very good condition The "Pezzato" (Patchwork) series took Bianco...
Glass
Venini Vase 'Fazzoletto' in red, Venice Murano 1950s
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Venini Vase 'Fazzoletto' in red, Venice Murano 1950s A vintage fazzoletto (handkerchief) vase in transparent red glass. Manufactured ca. 1950s by Venini...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, "Forato" Glass Vase, 1951
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi "Forato" Glass Vase, 1951 Venini Murano blue vase Marked : Venini H : 44cm (17,32") Overall Very good condition The “Forato” series ...
Glass
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
Fulvio Bianconi Venini A Fasce Orizzontali bottle vase with stopper model 4581
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A fine Fulvio Bianconi for Venini A Fasce Orizzontali bottle vase with stopper documented to model 4581. Handmade of the venetian island of murano out of the finest italian art glass...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Italian Mid Century Glass Bowl by Fulvio Bianconi For Venini Italy, 1950s
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare hand blown Italian decorative mid century glass bowl by Fulvio Bianconi with great red & green colors produced by Venini Italy, 1950s. In good vintage condition with patina from...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, Private Collection, Glass Vase Set with Glass Balloons, 1960
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi Bianconi's private collection, c. 1960 Execution: Blown glass, clear and blue, with glass bubbles inside. Signed: Bianconi H : 23 cm (9.05") Overall Very good co...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi Fasce Orizzontali Vase
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Fulvio Bianconi banded vase in clear glass with embedded bands of aquamarine,sapphire,black and red glass. marked with a three line acid stamp c.1953
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi 5 Glasses Murano Glass, 1955, Italy
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Milano, IT
Fulvio Bianconi 5 glasses murano glass 1955! Italy.
Murano Glass
Handshake, a Post-War Lattimo Art Glass Sculpture by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An exceptionally rare figurine by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini & Co. Referred to as 'Handshake', the model consists of a gloved hand with a scalloped cuff shaking hands with a naked...
Murano Glass
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Venini Fulvio Bianconi Murano Gray Opalino Italian Art Glass Sculptural Vase
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi, Paolo Venini
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown blue gray, opaline Italian art glass handkerchief sculptural vase. Documented to designer Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini. The piece is...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Venini Clessidre Glass Hourglass in Pink and Gray by Fulvio Bianconi
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidre Hourglass, designed by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi, was originally designed in 1957. Available in different colors, the grey / mint green version is a limited edition ...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi "Informale" Vase
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An original Venini Vase in Clear/Gray Textured Glass. A large Vase in the form of of a Female torso. Original Venini sticker and engraved Venini/ Italia signature.
Art Glass
Fulvio Bianconi for Venini, Murano Glass Bottle / Decanter, Signed, Label
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an original bottle without stopper, by the well known designer Fulvio Bianconi, has 3 acid marks and on top original foil label as shown in pictures.
Glass
Venini iridescent Murano vase series "A Macchie" by Fulvio Bianconi Italy 1950
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Milano, MI
Rare vase designed in the 50s by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini. The "spotted" series The artist-designed blown glass vase with abstract pictorial inserts. The 3-level etched signature ...
Murano Glass
Fulvio Bianconi for Venini Fasce Orizzontale Bottle
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A monumental form signed with a 3-line acid stamp.
Art Glass
Pulegoso Glass Bowl by Fulvio Bianconi for Cenedese
By Fulvio Bianconi, Cenedese
Located in New York, NY
Clear & colored blown glass. Great scale with internal bubbles and vibrant color stripes. Signed on underside by maker.
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Seven Cups and 11 Water, Long Drink Glasses Red Blue Fulvio Bianconi
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Mid-Century seven cups and 11 water or long drink glasses red blue Fulvio Bianconi. The cups are 9 x 6.5 cm.
Blown Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, Venini Satin Iridescent Murano Glass Vase Rare 4-Line Acid Mark
By Fulvio Bianconi, Maria Theresa Venini 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Grat and rare Venini, Bianconi Murano glass acid 4-line early mark vase, nice smoke color, iridato, satin.
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Fazzoletto Vase by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini
By Venini, Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Busnago, IT
The Fazzoletto glass vase, designed by Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini and produced by Paolo Venini. The original was designed in 1948. Only for indoor use. Orange-colored glass, in e...
Glass
venini Fulvio Bianconi artistic murano vase series "a Macchie" 1950s
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini
Located in Milano, MI
Rare slightly amber and iridescent glass vase with black figure in one side and blue in the other. This art glass belongs to the "A Macchie" series designed in the early 1950s by Ful...
Murano Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, "Epipedos", 2011
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi 'Epipedos' Vase, c. 2011 Execution: Venini, blown glass, green and yellow. Signed: Venini murano. Measure: H : 15 cm (5.9") Overall Very good condition Epipe...
Glass
Pair of Hourglasses by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Busnago, IT
Pair of Acquamarina and Grigio murano glass hourglasses by Paolo Venini & Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini. A large one and a small one. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticea...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, "A Spicchi", 1950
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi 'A Spicchi' Vase, c. 1950 Execution: Venini, blown glass, purple, pink and blue. Measure: H : 19 cm (7.48") Overall Very good condition A piece both highly ...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, Rare "Epipedos" Vase, Venini Artist Proof, 1989
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi 'Epipedos' Vase, c. 1989 Execution: Venini, blown glass, blue. Signed: Venini murano, Artist Proof Measures: H : 17.5 cm (6.7") Overall Very good condition T...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, "Epipedos", 1999
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi 'Epipedos' Vase, c. 1989 Execution: Venini, blown glass, green. Signed: Venini murano. H : 26 cm (10.23") Overall Very good condition Epipedos comes from the...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, "Forato" Glass Vase, 1951
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi "Forato" glass vase, 1951 Venini Murano green vase Marked: Venini Measure: H : 31.5 cm (12,4") Overall Very good condition The “For...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, "A Spicchi", 1953
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi 'A Spicchi' Vase, c. 1953 Execution: Venini, blown glass, purple, pink and blue. Signed: Original label and signature (Picture 4) H : 36 cm (14.17") Overall Ver...
Glass
Fulvio Bianconi, "Epipedos" Vase, Venini Artist Proof, 1989
By Fulvio Bianconi
Located in Paris, FR
Fulvio Bianconi 'Epipedos' Vase, c. 1989 Execution: Venini, blown glass, red. Signed: Venini murano, Artist proof H : 17.5 cm (6.7") Overall Very good condition This a rare ...
Glass