Large Orange Aluminium “Galassia” Catch-all by Brandani, 1980s

Italy, 1980s. Brandani’s “Galassia” series makes cast aluminium a tableware material in its own right, lifted with vivid enamels and lines in motion. This large catch-all, in a bright orange, is one of its boldest colourways. The shell, in mirror-polished aluminium on the outside, takes the form of a long, curved boat with ends cut on the slant, which seems to float above the surface. The interior is coated in saffron orange enamel, worked with fine chevron ribs that evoke the vein of a leaf and catch the light in pearly reflections. The contrast between the shining metal and the warm colour is the piece’s whole strength. Good overall condition: the enamel is intact and keeps its shine, the polished aluminium shows only very light marks of use, with no dents or deformation. At 33 cm long by 13.5 cm wide and 7.5 cm high, this large catch-all sits on a console, coffee table or entryway, as a decorative piece or a receptacle. A graphic, sunny object, typical of Italian design of the 1980s.