Italian Octagonal Metal and Lucite Catch-all, 1970s

Italy, 1970s. Bevel-cut Lucite paired with polished metal reflects an aesthetic of transparency much sought after by Italian designers of the decade. This octagonal catch-all is a crisp, luminous expression of it. The block, in thick, perfectly clear Lucite, is cut into an octagon with bevelled edges that catch the light like the facets of a gemstone. At the centre, a round chrome dish edged with a fine gilt line is set into the Perspex, reflecting the piece’s silhouette in its mirror-domed surface. Good condition of use: the Lucite is clear, the metal dish keeps its shine. A few scratches remain on the underside from use, but nothing that truly detracts from the charm of the object. At 16 cm square by 4.5 cm high, this catch-all sits on a console, desk or entryway table, for keys, jewellery or change. A sober, graphic object of great purity.