Zanfirico is a technique invented by glass makers on the Venetian island of Murano, Italy. Zanfirico glass consists of fine filigree canes which have been stretched and twisted to form beautiful lattice patterns. The name Zanfirico derives from the surname of a 19th century Italian art dealer, Antonio Sanquirico, however the Zanfirico technique has been used as far back as the 16th century, when it was originally known as 'Filigrana a Retortoli'. Many Murano glass manufacturers use Zanfirico canes in their glassware production, including Venini, Aureliano Toso, Fratelli Toso, and AVeM.
A green and yellow Murano zanfirico glass fazzoletto (handkerchief) vase. Made by Venini, designed by Fulvio Bianconi, in collaboration with Paolo Venini, in 1948. Marked to base "Venini, Murano, Italia".
A white and purple Murano zanfirico glass fazzoletto (handkerchief) vase. Made by Venini, designed by Fulvio Bianconi, in collaboration with Paolo Venini, in 1948. Marked to base "Venini, Murano".
A white Murano zanfirico glass fazzoletto (handkerchief) vase. Made by Venini, designed by Fulvio Bianconi, in collaboration with Paolo Venini, in 1948. Marked to base "Venini, Murano, Italia".
A white and yellow Murano zanfirico glass fazzoletto (handkerchief) vase. Made by Venini, designed by Fulvio Bianconi, in collaboration with Paolo Venini, in 1948. Marked to base "Venini, Murano, Italia".
A white and turquoise Murano zanfirico glass bowl. Made by Venini, signed to base "Venini, Italia".
A white and yellow Murano zanfirico glass bowl. Made by Venini, unmarked.
A white and pink Murano zanfirico glass bowl. Made by Venini, marked to base "Venini, Murano, Italia".
A white and orange Murano zanfirico glass bowl. Made by Venini, marked to base with three line acid stamp.