Late 20th Century Willy Rizzo Style Italian Tortoiseshell Pattern Plexiglass and Brass Tray

Description

Please read the entire description, as we strive to provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of … more Please read the entire description, as we strive to provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items.
This original and distinctive plexiglass tray features raised edges. The shorter sides have two slits that serve as handles, while the top of the edges is finished with brushed brass bars. The tortoiseshell effect on plexiglass (Lucite) is achieved through a specific machining and coloring process. Pigments are added to the cast acrylic material. To accomplish the tortoiseshell effect, various colors are used, typically tones of brown, amber, black, and yellow. During the casting process, the colors are mixed unevenly, creating veins and spots that mimic the natural pattern of a turtle shell. Once poured into the mold, the material is heated and then allowed to cool to complete the curing process. This solidifies the acrylic and fixes the colors in place. When the material has fully cured, it is cut and shaped into the desired form—in this case, a tray. The piece is then polished to achieve a smooth, shiny surface, further accentuating the tortoiseshell effect.
In our tray, these effects were created manually by craftsmen who manipulated the colors and veins to achieve a more natural and unique look. The tray was made in the style of the famous Italian designer Willy Rizzo and produced between 1975 and 1980 in an artisan workshop in Brianza (Lombardy, Italy). It represents a classic example of the modernist design of that period, characterized by clean lines, high-quality materials, and an elegant, minimalist aesthetic.
Brianza is an area that includes several cities such as Meda, Desio, and Cantù, which are renowned for producing high-quality furniture. Many furniture companies in this active area of Lombardy have produced Willy Rizzo-style pieces, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and the use of fine materials. Willy Rizzo (1928-2013) is particularly known for his brass and glass furniture. Rizzo began his career as a photographer, working for major fashion and portrait magazines, including "Paris Match." His experience in photography influenced his eye for design and composition, leading him to create furniture that combines functionality with a visually appealing aesthetic. Throughout his career, Willy Rizzo collaborated with several prestigious companies and craft workshops, helping to bring his unique designs to the international market.
Workshops and small businesses in Brianza have played a key role in the production of Willy Rizzo-style objects, thanks to a long tradition of craftsmanship and the presence of numerous designers and specialized factories. These artifacts, known for their elegance and quality, reflect the excellence of Italian design.
Plexiglass, Perspex, and Lucite are different brands of the same basic material, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). PMMA is a transparent thermoplastic often used as an alternative to glass. Although other transparent plastics, such as polycarbonate, are available, PMMA is often preferred because of its combination of transparency, lightweight, and ease of processing. It is more impact-resistant than glass, although less durable than other plastics; it is lighter than glass, making it easier to handle and install; it can be easily cut, drilled, machined, and glued, making it very versatile for various uses; it has good weather resistance, so it can be used outdoors without yellowing or degrading easily. Plexiglass: registered trademark of Röhm GmbH, one of the first companies to produce PMMA. Perspex: registered trademark of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the United Kingdom, another major producer of PMMA. Lucite: trademark registered by DuPont (and later by Lucite International), used mainly in North America.
The tray is in good condition, with slight traces of wear, minimal scratches, and minor age-related details that can be easily removed with specific polishes. Measurements: width 55 cm, depth 32 cm, height 5 cm. We use special packaging materials (wooden crates, styrofoam, etc.) for all our shipments to ensure maximum protection and safety of the items. less