Alessi Ice Bucket, 14 cm

Designed by Ettore Sottsass, this ice bucket belongs to a barware line built for the choreography of serving — handles for lifting, a grating insert to keep meltwater off the ice, and a finish that contrasts a mirror-polished exterior with a matte, satin interior.

Sottsass developed the piece as part of a bar-accessories range evoking mid-century cocktail-party culture, executed in 18/10 stainless steel throughout. It's a serving object built to be handled in front of guests, not tucked away in a cabinet.