Italian Square Metal and Plexiglass Catch-all, 1970s

Italy, 1970s. Solid plexiglass, favoured by Italian designers of the decade, lends itself readily to inlay play with metal. This square catch-all is a clean-lined version of the idea. The block, in perfectly transparent plexiglass, holds at its centre a round, removable chrome dish, gently concave. The contrast between the clear mass of the plexiglass and the cool shine of the metal makes for a crisp, graphic object. Good overall condition: the plexiglass stays clear, the chrome dish keeps its shine, with no impact or notable scratches. At 15 cm square by 2.5 cm high, this catch-all sits on a desk or console, for keys or small objects. A sober, functional piece typical of Italian seventies design.