Bolle Bottles

Incalmo is a Venetian glassblowing method in which two separately blown glass bubbles are joined while still molten, creating a single vessel with distinct, sharply defined color zones. It demands exceptional skill and precise timing from the glassworker, as the two sections must be matched exactly in diameter before fusion.

Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was one of Finland's most celebrated designers, known for work spanning glass, ceramics, silversmithing, and industrial design. His collaboration with Venini bridged Nordic functionalism and Italian craft tradition, producing pieces that remain among the most studied works in postwar decorative arts.

Because each bottle is handblown and joined using the incalmo technique, natural variation exists between individual pieces. Color intensity, the precise placement of the color field join, and subtle differences in form mean no two bottles are exactly alike.

Handblown Murano glass should be handled with care and kept away from sudden temperature changes, which can stress the material. Cleaning by hand with a soft, damp cloth is recommended. These pieces are objects of display rather than everyday functional use.

Venini's practice of inviting leading international designers to work with its Murano artisans began in the 1920s under founder Paolo Venini. This model of collaboration between outside creative vision and in-house craft expertise became central to the company's identity and produced some of the most significant glass objects of the twentieth century.