Coffee table; Attributed to FONTANA ARTE, Italy, 1980.

Coffee table; Attributed to FONTANA ARTE, Italy, 1980.
Murano glass.
Measurements: 140 x 75 x 35 cm.
This Italian coffee table from the 1980s, known as the “handkerchief” (fazzoletto) design, is a landmark of contemporary design due to its innovative top made of thick blown glass, whose wavy edges evoke the natural drape of fabric. Supported by discreet stainless steel or brass struts, the piece creates an elegant hallmark of visual lightness and the solidity of the material. Inspired by the Italian glassmaking tradition, particularly that of Murano, this table combines masterful craftsmanship with the formal experimentation characteristic of late 20th-century Italian design.
Fontana Arte is one of the most influential firms in the history of 20th-century Italian design, renowned for its ability to transform glass into a material of extraordinary aesthetic and technical sophistication. Founded in Milan in 1932 by Luigi Fontana and architect Gio Ponti, the company was established with the aim of integrating the artisanal tradition of glassmaking with the principles of modern architecture and industrial design. Throughout its history, Fontana Arte has collaborated with some of the most prominent designers on the international scene, including Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa, Max Ingrand, Gae Aulenti, and Renzo Piano, building a catalog that encapsulates the evolution of Italian design from rationalism to the contemporary era. Many of its creations are part of the permanent collections of design and decorative arts museums around the world, a testament to their historical and cultural significance.