VINTAGE 20thC ITALIAN SILVER PLATED 'BEAR' WINE COOLER, ATTRIBUTED FRANCO LAPINI

A wonderfully unusual large Italian silver plated wine cooler in the form of a standing bear, dating from circa 1970 and attributed to Franco Lapini. Naturalistically modelled standing upright on its hind legs, the bear features finely textured fur, articulated paws and expressive facial detailing. The head is hinged and lifts to reveal the interior, allowing the body to function as a wine or champagne cooler. Franco Lapini's Florentine workshop became particularly renowned during the second half of the 20th century for imaginative and often whimsical silver-plated objects, including animal-form tableware, wine coolers and decorative accessories. The sculptural modelling and playful combination of decorative object and practical function are characteristic of the firm's work. A striking and highly decorative piece of Italian design, equally effective as a wine cooler or as a sculptural object in its own right.

Reference Number: B12797