Ibisco tumblers by Bormioli Rocco with cobalt base, Italian glass from the 1970s

The Ibisco tumblers from Bormioli Rocco represent the Italian design philosophy of the 1970s, when everyday objects became vehicles for bold aesthetic choices. The striking combination of a clear glass body and a deep cobalt base creates a visual signature typical of an era that embraced colour as a functional element rather than mere decoration. The construction builds on the contrast between two distinct zones: a slender cylindrical body in colourless glass transitions smoothly into a weightier base saturated with intense blue. Proportions concentrate mass at the bottom, ensuring stability while maintaining visual lightness throughout. The gradient between sections adds optical depth, transforming a simple drinking vessel into something worth displaying. Bormioli Rocco is among Italy's oldest continuous glassmaking operations, with roots reaching back to the mid-nineteenth century. During the seventies, the Parma-based manufacturer expanded its tableware production, merging craft traditions with the spirit of Italian Modern. Italian design of this period distinguished itself through chromatic boldness and the conviction that utilitarian objects deserve thoughtful form. Series like Ibisco brought these values from living rooms to kitchens, democratising access to considered design across the domestic landscape. Standing 15.5 centimetres tall with a 6-centimetre diameter, these tumblers suit long drinks, juices, lemonades, and cocktails over ice. The cobalt base ensures the set looks equally compelling on open shelving as it does in daily rotation. Condition is good with no significant flaws. The glass retains its clarity and the base preserves its colour intensity.