Arthur Krupp - Sergio Mazza

Sergio Mazza & Giuliana Gramigna for Arthur Krupp Milano – Floor Ashtray – Stainless Steel – Italy, circa 1970 Elegant and highly architectural floor-standing ashtray designed by Sergio Mazza and Giuliana Gramigna for Arthur Krupp Milano, dating from approximately the early 1970s. A refined example of Italian modernist design, this unusual object transforms an everyday smoking accessory into a slender vertical architectural form. The ashtray is made entirely in polished stainless steel and measures approximately 51 cm in height, with a diameter of only around 10 cm. Its very narrow cylindrical body gives the object an almost sculptural presence, while the smoking element is discreetly integrated into the upper section. Rather than following the traditional pedestal-and-bowl construction used for many floor ashtrays of the period, Mazza and Gramigna reduced the object to a pure geometric volume. The result is a minimalist and elegant design in which function is almost hidden within the form. Sergio Mazza & Giuliana Gramigna Sergio Mazza and Giuliana Gramigna were important figures in post-war Italian design and architecture. Working together in Milan from the early 1960s, they developed furniture, lighting and interior accessories characterised by rigorous geometry, sophisticated proportions and the use of refined industrial materials. Their work for Arthur Krupp Milano is particularly representative of this approach. Polished stainless steel, crystal and simple geometric forms were used to turn everyday domestic objects into carefully designed elements for the modern interior. Arthur Krupp Milano Arthur Krupp was known for the production of high-quality stainless-steel objects and collaborated with leading Italian designers during the golden age of post-war Italian design. During the late 1960s and 1970s, Sergio Mazza and Giuliana Gramigna designed a number of objects for the company, including ashtrays, trays, centrepieces and other interior accessories. Original pieces from this collaboration are known with the Arthur Krupp Milano Italy mark together with the designers' signatures. Comparable floor-standing ashtrays by Mazza and Gramigna for Krupp, dating from circa 1970, are documented in specialist Italian design auction archives. The collaboration between Mazza, Gramigna and Arthur Krupp is also documented in contemporary and later specialist design literature, including references to Ottagono and Domus from the 1970s. “Linea dell’Orso” Objects by Sergio Mazza and Giuliana Gramigna for Arthur Krupp are also associated with the well-known “Linea dell’Orso” collection. The collection included a coordinated series of modern domestic objects designed around pure geometric forms, polished metal surfaces and carefully controlled proportions. Several documented objects from this series, including trays and other interior accessories, bear the signatures of the two designers together with the Arthur Krupp Milano Italy mark. The present floor ashtray has also been identified on the vintage-design market as belonging to or being associated with the Linea dell’Orso production. However, in the absence of a currently available original Arthur Krupp catalogue or period advertisement showing this exact floor-standing model, the attribution to the specific Linea dell’Orso series should be considered consistent with specialist-market documentation rather than based on a reproduced original catalogue page. Design The most distinctive feature of this object is its proportion. At approximately 51 cm high and only 10 cm in diameter, the ashtray becomes a long, almost abstract cylindrical column. The highly polished stainless-steel surface reflects light and the surrounding environment, constantly changing the appearance of the object depending on where it is placed. Seen from a distance, it resembles a minimalist sculpture or architectural element. Only the upper part reveals its original practical function. This transformation of an ordinary domestic object into an autonomous design object is particularly representative of the experimental attitude of Italian design around 1970. Today, it works equally well as: an original vintage smoking accessory; a collectible piece of Italian design; a sculptural decorative object; an architectural accent for a modernist or 1970s interior. Specifications Designers: Sergio Mazza & Giuliana Gramigna Manufacturer: Arthur Krupp Milano Object: Floor-standing ashtray Country: Italy Period: circa 1970 / early 1970s Material: polished stainless steel Height: approximately 51 cm Diameter: approximately 10 cm Weight: approximately 2.6 kg Markings The object is marked Arthur Krupp Milano Italy and bears the designers' identification/signatures. These markings are important elements supporting the attribution of the object to the collaboration between Arthur Krupp, Sergio Mazza and Giuliana Gramigna. Please refer to the detailed photographs of the markings. Condition Presented in excellent vintage condition. The polished stainless-steel surface remains bright and reflective, with only minor surface marks and traces of use consistent with age. No dents, no corrosion and no significant structural damage. As with all original vintage design objects, minor signs of previous use should be expected. Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an integral part of the description and show the actual condition of the object. Historical context Comparable floor ashtrays by Sergio Mazza and Giuliana Gramigna for Arthur Krupp are documented in Italian specialist design auctions and dated to approximately 1970. The broader collaboration between the designers and Arthur Krupp is also supported by references in specialist auction catalogues to period design publications including Ottagono and Domus during the 1970s. This is an original vintage object and may therefore show minor signs of age, handling and previous use. The polished stainless-steel surface is highly reflective and may show reflections of the surrounding environment in the photographs. Colours, brightness and reflections may vary slightly depending on lighting conditions and individual screen settings. The item will be carefully and professionally packed using appropriate protective materials, with particular attention to protecting the polished surfaces and the upper section. Before placing a bid, please carefully review all photographs, measurements, condition details and the complete description. By placing a bid, the buyer confirms having reviewed and accepted the complete photographic documentation and description of the lot.

Utropspris:SEK 11.2

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