Italian Woven Gilt and Silvered Metal Box, 1970s

Italy, 1970s. Woven metal, alternating gilt and silvered plates in a checkerboard pattern, was a decorative technique much prized in Italian design of the period, somewhere between silversmithing and geometric pop. This box is a fine example. The body and lid are entirely made up of small square plates of brass and silvered metal, assembled in a regular basket-weave checkerboard, framed by a polished brass rim. The interior, lined in gold-tone leatherette, extends the play of precious materials. Good overall condition: the weave is complete, the plates keep their shine, a few minor marks of use on the brass, nothing serious. At 15.5 cm long by 11.5 cm wide and 6.5 cm high, this box sits on a desk or console. A graphic, precious object typical of Italian decorative design in the seventies.