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As Murano factories attracted greater esteem, the market for their wares expanded commensurately. Smaller factories determined to profit from this boom quickly appropriated the most commercially attractive designs. One of the most widely copied mid-century Muranese forms is the Fazzoletto (handkerchief) vase, developed by Paolo Venini in collaboration with Fulvio Bianconi in 1948–49. This eccentric design has become a fixture of the Murano canon, appropriated by innumerable competitors.

The distinctive shape of the Fazzoletto, which resembles an inverted draped handkerchief, has been produced in innumerable patterns, shapes, and sizes. Many of the variations continue the handkerchief theme with patterns of spots or stripes. From around 1950 it became a feature on sideboards and coffee tables throughout Italy and farther afield.

Image. Fazzoletto corroso (Handkerchief) vase.

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