Italian glass and metal sugar bowl in Italian modern style, 1980s

Italian sugar bowl from the 1980s, combining clear glass with a metal frame. This piece exemplifies the Italian Modern approach to functional objects, where even small tableware items received thoughtful design attention during this period. The construction features a glass body in a straightforward cylindrical form, set within a metal framework. A wide base provides stability, while the lid closes the vessel and protects its contents. The silver-toned metal contrasts with the transparency of glass, creating a sense of lightness while maintaining a defined structure. The proportions—height just under ten centimetres with a similar diameter—give the piece a compact, balanced silhouette. Italian design of the 1980s drew from both artisan traditions and the formal experiments of preceding decades. Designers of this era frequently combined materials with contrasting optical qualities—glass with metal, ceramics with synthetics—seeking tension between solidity and transparency. Everyday objects gained decorative value without sacrificing functionality. This sugar bowl reflects the broader movement of elevating small table accessories to the status of consciously designed pieces. The modest dimensions allow placement on a dining table, breakfast tray, or beside a coffee machine. The transparent body enables checking contents without removing the lid. Condition is good. Surface shows scratches from use over time.