FontanaArte Cartoccio Q Vase, Hand-Folded Clear Glass by Pietro Chiesa, 11 in

The FontanaArte Cartoccio Q vase is an 11 in (28 cm) clear glass vase for dining tables, kitchen islands, consoles and reception desks, where it works equally well with a few long stems, a heap of seasonal fruit or nothing at all. It is made from a single square sheet of transparent glass that is heated and folded up by hand, so the walls rise in two broad wings around a deep central valley. The fold lines show as fine dark edges in the glass, and because the folding is done manually, every Cartoccio Q comes out slightly different.

Quick facts

• Product: Cartoccio Q vase in clear glass
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F3010VA100TR10
• Type: Decorative glass vase and centrepiece
• Best for: dining tables, kitchen islands, consoles, sideboards, shelves, hotel lobbies, restaurant tables and reception desks
• Height: 11 in (28 cm), from the maker's drawing
• Material: transparent glass, hot-folded from a single sheet
• Making: shaped by hand; no two pieces are exactly alike
• Finish: clear (transparent)
• Designer: Pietro Chiesa (1932)
• Styles: Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Transitional

Materials and build

Cartoccio means a paper cone, the kind used in Italian markets to wrap a handful of chestnuts or sweets, and that is the idea behind the vase. FontanaArte makes it by hot folding: a flat sheet of glass is heated until it softens, then folded and shaped by hand so the corners lift and the centre drops. The Q version uses clear, transparent glass, which shows every fold and leaves a darker line where the glass doubles back on itself.

Because the shape is formed by hand rather than in a mould, the curve of each wing and the depth of the valley vary a little from piece to piece. FontanaArte describes this manual production as what makes each vase unique.

Size and placement

At 11 in (28 cm) tall, the Q is a medium vase. On a dining table it stays below eye level for seated guests, so conversation is not blocked, and it suits a table of 48 in (122 cm) or longer as a single centrepiece. On a console or sideboard, pair it with a lamp or a stack of books of a similar height.

Because the opening is wide and open-sided, it holds loose arrangements better than tight bouquets: a few branches, tulips or ranunculus leaning out over the folds, or a pile of lemons, artichokes or pomegranates. Use it empty on a sunny shelf and the clear glass throws soft light patterns onto the wall.

Where it works

Dining rooms and kitchens. As a centrepiece on a dining table or kitchen island it holds flowers, fruit or vegetables and looks complete either way.

Living rooms and entries. On a console, mantel or sideboard it adds a sculptural, light-catching object without visual weight.

Hotels and restaurants. On a reception desk, a bar back or a host stand, a clear Cartoccio with a single seasonal stem brings a recognisable design piece into a hospitality setting.

Offices and showrooms. In a client lounge or on a boardroom credenza, it gives a refined accent that stays fresh with minimal arrangements.

Style and pairing

The Q sits naturally in Modern, Contemporary and Minimalist interiors and softens Transitional rooms with its hand-made irregularity. Clear glass goes with any colour scheme; place it against a strong wall colour, on dark timber or on marble for the best effect. Pair it with the satin-glass Cartoccio Small and Large for a family grouping, or let it stand alone with a single branch.

Why choose the Cartoccio Q

• Folded by hand from a single sheet of clear glass, so each piece is unique.
• Wide, open form that suits loose flowers, branches or fruit.
• 11 in tall: a centrepiece that does not block sightlines across the table.
• Works as an object on its own, with or without flowers.
• A 1932 design by Pietro Chiesa, master glassmaker and co-founder of FontanaArte.

Care

Wash by hand in warm water with a mild detergent, using a soft sponge; do not put it in the dishwasher. Avoid sudden changes of temperature, such as pouring boiling water into a cold vase. Dry with a lint-free cloth to prevent water marks, and for mineral deposits, soak briefly in a mix of water and white vinegar. Set it down gently on hard surfaces and use a small felt pad under it on stone or wood.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the FontanaArte Cartoccio Q vase? It is 11 in (28 cm) tall, according to FontanaArte's drawing.

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

Is it handmade? Yes. Each vase is folded and shaped by hand, so no two are exactly alike.

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

Can it hold water and fresh flowers? Yes. Its wide, open form suits loose arrangements of flowers or branches that lean over the folds.

Can I use it for fruit? Yes. It works well as a fruit or vegetable centrepiece on a dining table or kitchen island.

Is it a good centrepiece? Yes. At 11 in it stays below eye level for seated guests on most dining tables.

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

How is the Q different from the other Cartoccio vases? The Q is the clear-glass Cartoccio with a two-winged folded form. The Cartoccio Small and Large are in natural satin glass with a wavier rim.

Will mine look exactly like the photos? Not exactly. Because each vase is folded by hand, the folds and edges vary 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.