Vase thumbnail 1
Not on display

Vase

1971 (designed), 1998 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The design of this polygonal silver vase is deceptively simple. If you look closely you will see that it has twice as many corners on the rim as it does on the base.

It is a product of the San Lorenzo studio in Milan. Formed in 1970, the year before this vase was designed, the studio set out to create new contemporary designs in sterling silver. The small group of architect-designers that formed its nucleus aimed to produce high-quality designs. They created a select band of products in batch production runs, with a strong emphasis on finely detailed design and workmanship.

The husband and wife team of Tobia Scarpa (b.1935) and Afra Bianchin (b.1937), who designed this vase, both studied architecture in Venice. Their work shows a deep understanding of materials and empathy for traditional Italian craftsmanship. They have collaborated on designs for leading Italian manufacturers, including furniture for Gavina, lighting for Flos and cutlery for San Lorenzo. Their architectural commissions include showrooms and factories (one for Benetton in 1964), and public spaces.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver
Brief description
Vase, silver, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Italy, 1971; made by San Lorenzo, Milan, Italy, 1998
Physical description
Polygonal vase.
The vessel sits on a flat triangular base, the walls rise to an hexagonal rim with a rolled over edge. Thus six points at the rim transmute to three points at the base, each alternate seam disappering into the side wall.
Dimensions
  • Height: 17.8cm
  • Width: 10.3cm
  • Depth: 9.2cm
Style
Production typeLimited edition
Marks and inscriptions
"An asterisk, 858, MI" within a lozenge, (the town mark of Milan), "925" within an oval lozenge, (the standard of purity), "ats" (the designers' initials, Afra & Tobia Scarpa), "B", the date letter for 1998, and the mark of San Lorenzo. (Designer's and retailer's marks; Just below the rim on the outside wall.; 1998)
Gallery label
(October 1995)
Afra & Tobia Scarpa, 1971
(31/01/2000)
4. VASE
Italy, Milan, 1988
Made by San Lorenzo
Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, 1971
Gift of San Lorenzo to recognise the opening of the V&A Silver Galleries, Phase II
M.19-1998
Credit line
San Lorenzo Gift
Object history
Gift of San Lorenzo to recognise the opening of the V&A Silver Galleries, Phase II
Production
Reason For Production: Retail
Summary
The design of this polygonal silver vase is deceptively simple. If you look closely you will see that it has twice as many corners on the rim as it does on the base.

It is a product of the San Lorenzo studio in Milan. Formed in 1970, the year before this vase was designed, the studio set out to create new contemporary designs in sterling silver. The small group of architect-designers that formed its nucleus aimed to produce high-quality designs. They created a select band of products in batch production runs, with a strong emphasis on finely detailed design and workmanship.

The husband and wife team of Tobia Scarpa (b.1935) and Afra Bianchin (b.1937), who designed this vase, both studied architecture in Venice. Their work shows a deep understanding of materials and empathy for traditional Italian craftsmanship. They have collaborated on designs for leading Italian manufacturers, including furniture for Gavina, lighting for Flos and cutlery for San Lorenzo. Their architectural commissions include showrooms and factories (one for Benetton in 1964), and public spaces.
Bibliographic references
  • Bazzo, Evelina, ed. 1970-1995 The Work of the Silversmiths' Studio, San Lorenzo, Milano An exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum: Milan, Electa, 1995 pp 112, 121-123, ill. Catalogue of the exhibition held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, October 1995 to April 1996, ISBN 8843554247
  • Giacobone, Terslla F. ed. Italian Silverware of the 20th Century, From Decorative Art to Design, Milan, Electa, 1993 pp.30, 119 ill. ISBN 884354618X
Collection
Accession number
M.19-1998

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Record createdSeptember 12, 2003
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