A rare limited-edition round box from Sambonet’s celebrated Graffiti collection, produced in Italy during the late 1970s or 1980s.
This substantial decorative box combines a warm brass lower body with a rounded, mirror-polished stainless-steel lid. The lid is embellished with an elegant contrasting silver ribbon-and-bow motif characteristic of the Graffiti line, whose designs transformed polished metalware into graphic compositions through the use of contrasting metals and decorative inlay.
The combination of cool stainless steel, silver decoration and golden brass gives the box an especially luxurious mixed-metal appearance. At six inches in diameter, it is an impressive example suitable for use as a desk box, vanity container, bonbonnière or sculptural decorative object.
MAKER’S MARK
The underside is marked “Sambonet Italy” alongside the historic oval GTS emblem. Although the central device resembles the letter “T,” it represents a goldsmith’s hammer positioned between the initials “G” and “S” for Giuseppe Sambonet, founder of the company in 1856. The emblem reflects Sambonet’s origins as an Italian goldsmithing and silversmithing firm.
The unusual brass-bottomed construction, silver decoration and limited-edition status distinguish this example from the more commonly encountered all-stainless-steel pieces in Sambonet’s Graffiti collection.
DIMENSIONS
Diameter: 6 inches / 15.2 cm
Height: 2 inches / 5.1 cm
Weight: 429 grams / 15.1 ounces
CONDITION
Good vintage condition with surface scratches, light tarnish and age-related wear consistent with previous use. The brass base displays oxidation and natural variation in tone. The mirror-polished stainless-steel lid has visible surface scratching, while the contrasting silver ribbon decoration remains visually striking. Please examine the photographs closely, as they form part of the condition description.
DETAILS
Maker: Sambonet
Collection: Graffiti
Country of origin: Italy
Period: Late 20th century
Date: Circa late 1970s–1980s
Materials: Stainless steel, silver and brass
Design: Silver ribbon-and-bow motif
Form: Round lidded box
Edition: Limited edition
Mark: Sambonet Italy with historic oval GTS hammer emblem
Style: Italian modern and postmodern