FontanaArte Cartoccio Large Vase, Hand-Folded Satin Glass by Pietro Chiesa, 11.8 in

The FontanaArte Cartoccio Large vase is an 11.8 in (30 cm) satin glass vase for sideboards, consoles, dining tables and lobby counters, where it reads as a soft, luminous sculpture whether or not it holds flowers. A sheet of natural satin glass is heated and folded by hand into a wide bowl with a rippling, wave-like rim, like a paper cone gathered in the hand. The frosted surface diffuses light, so the vase glows rather than sparkles, and because every piece is shaped manually, no two are identical.

Quick facts

• Product: Cartoccio Large vase in satin glass
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F2920VA100TR20
• Type: Decorative glass vase, centrepiece and object
• Best for: sideboards, consoles, dining tables, mantels, shelves, hotel lobbies, restaurants, reception desks and boutiques
• Height: 11.8 in (30 cm)
• Material: natural satin glass, hot-folded from a single sheet
• Making: shaped by hand; no two pieces are exactly alike
• Finish: Transparent (frosted satin surface)
• Sizes in the family: Small 7.8 in (20 cm), Large 11.8 in (30 cm)
• Designer: Pietro Chiesa (1932)
• Styles: Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Transitional, Classic

Materials and build

FontanaArte makes the Cartoccio by hot folding: a sheet of glass is heated until it softens and is then gathered and folded by hand into a cone-like bowl. The name comes from the Italian cartoccio, the twisted paper cone used to wrap market goods, and the soft, irregular rim recalls exactly that. The Large is made in natural satin glass, a frosted finish that softens reflections and gives the glass a milky, translucent look with pale green edges.

The manual process means the height of each fold, the waves of the rim and the overall stance vary from one vase to the next; FontanaArte describes this as what makes each piece unique.

Size and placement

At 11.8 in (30 cm), the Large is a substantial vase. On a sideboard or console it balances a table lamp or a framed picture; on a dining table it makes a centrepiece that stays below eye level when everyone is seated. Its wide, open mouth suits generous, loose arrangements: garden roses, hydrangeas, peonies or a few cut branches spilling over the folds.

Light makes the satin glass come alive: place it where daylight or a lamp falls across it, on a dark wood, stone or lacquered surface, and the frosted walls glow. Group it with the Cartoccio Small for a pair of different heights.

Where it works

Living and dining rooms. A centrepiece or sideboard object that looks finished with or without flowers.

Entries and halls. On a console, it greets guests with a soft, sculptural form and a few seasonal stems.

Hotels, restaurants and clubs. On a reception desk, a bar or a host stand, the Cartoccio adds a recognisable piece of Italian design history and is easy to refresh with simple arrangements.

Boutiques and showrooms. As a display piece on a shelf or plinth, its frosted glass complements products without competing with them.

Style and pairing

The Cartoccio Large sits well in Modern, Contemporary and Minimalist rooms, and its organic, hand-made form also suits Transitional and Classic interiors with mouldings, antiques or rich timber. Against dark walls and woods the white satin glass stands out strongly; on pale stone it reads softer and quieter. Pair it with the clear Cartoccio Q or the Cartoccio Small for a varied group.

Why choose the Cartoccio Large

• Folded by hand from a single sheet of glass, so each piece is one of a kind.
• Natural satin glass that glows softly in daylight and lamplight.
• 11.8 in tall with a wide mouth for generous, loose arrangements.
• Equally strong as an empty sculptural object.
• A 1932 design by Pietro Chiesa, master glassmaker and co-founder of FontanaArte.

Care

Wash by hand in warm water with a mild detergent and a soft sponge; avoid the dishwasher and abrasive pads, which can mark the satin surface. Do not expose it to sudden temperature changes. Dry inside and out with a soft, lint-free cloth. For water marks inside, soak briefly in water with a little white vinegar, then rinse. Place a felt pad under it on wood or stone.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the FontanaArte Cartoccio Large vase? It is 11.8 in (30 cm) tall.

What is it made of? Natural satin glass, hot-folded from a single sheet.

Is it handmade? Yes. Each vase is folded by hand, so the folds and rim are slightly different on every piece.

Is it blown glass? No. It is made by heating and folding a flat sheet of glass, not by glassblowing.

Is the glass clear or frosted? The finish is listed as Transparent, in natural satin glass, which gives a frosted, translucent look.

Does it hold water for fresh flowers? Yes. Its wide opening suits loose arrangements of roses, peonies, hydrangeas or branches.

Which size should I choose, Small or Large? The Large (11.8 in) suits sideboards, consoles and dining tables; the Small (7.8 in) suits shelves, nightstands and coffee tables. Together they make a two-height group.

Can it be used empty? Yes. Its folded, glowing form works as a sculptural object on its own.

Is it dishwasher safe? Hand washing is recommended to protect the satin finish.

Will mine look exactly like the photos? Not exactly. The folding is done by hand, so each vase varies slightly.

Who designed it? Pietro Chiesa, in 1932, for FontanaArte.

Trade & project orders

Interior designers, architects and hospitality buyers can join the MetropolitanDecor trade program for trade pricing. We also prepare quotes for multi-unit and project orders; contact us with your quantities.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.