Alessi Vintage Cruet Set Pitagora by Carlo Mazzeri, 1960s

• item. cruet set, condiment set
• model. Pitagora
• designer. Carlo Mazzeri
• maker. Alfra Alessi
• period. circa 1960, 1960s
• country. Italy
• style. modernist
• materials. lead crystal, 18/10 stainless steel
• color. clear, silver
• dimensions (cm). 12.5 × 9 × 9.5 H
• components. two crystal shakers with stainless steel perforated tops; one open crystal container; stainless steel stand
  glass. lead crystal over 24% PbO with bugnato-inspired geometric texture
• markings. Alfra Alessi, 18/10 Stainless Steel, Italy, Mod. Dep.
• label. original Alessi lead crystal label preserved on one container
• condition. excellent vintage condition. all crystal components are complete and intact, with no chips or cracks. light halos and minor traces of age are visible on the stainless steel stand.
• reference. 2105

DESIGN CONTEXT

This Alessi vintage cruet set belongs to the Pitagora tableware series designed by Carlo Mazzeri for Alfra Alessi around 1960. Combining crystal with precisely folded 18/10 stainless steel, the set reflects the increasingly architectural approach to domestic objects that characterized postwar Italian design.

The composition is remarkably compact. Two cylindrical shakers and a smaller open container are held within a geometric stainless steel structure whose folded planes create individual compartments for each element. A tall central divider rises above the containers and doubles as a handle, turning an everyday tabletop accessory into a carefully resolved three-dimensional composition.

Particularly distinctive is the treatment of the lead crystal. A dense geometric texture inspired by bugnato creates a succession of small faceted projections around each container. The almost diamond-like surface catches and refracts the light, producing a deliberate contrast with the smooth reflective planes of the stainless steel. One container retains its original label identifying the glass as Italian lead crystal with over 24% PbO, made exclusively for Alessi.

The set originally combines salt and pepper shakers with a small open container intended for toothpicks, a typical feature of period Italian tableware. Today, the third vessel also lends itself beautifully to cocktail forks, small appetizer spoons, mustard or other condiments, making the design particularly appealing for contemporary entertaining.

This example is exceptionally well preserved and complete. All three crystal elements are intact, including the two original perforated stainless steel tops, while only light halos and minor traces of age remain on the metal support. The original Alfra Alessi marking is clearly visible on the base.