This Italian leather canister is an intriguing example of Old World craftsmanship meeting Modern World technology (about a century ago). Florentine gold-embossed leather is "wrapped" around a Bakelite canister—and fitted with a screw-down lid.
Bakelite was invented in 1907. It was a leap-forward in the development of synthetic materials—plastics, actually. This remarkable new invention could be molded into complex shapes. It was suited to mass-production. And Bakelite was heat resistant—making it highly adaptable to use in the exciting, new Twentieth Century. Light bulb sockets, lamps, radios and (later) television parts were made of Bakelite. In the right color (and polished) it was attractive, durable and easy to produce. Numerous desk and household items were crafted in Bakelite—as was jewelry (which is highly-collectible today).
Italian leather-working is a centuries-old tradecraft. Especially (but not only) in Florence, leather working had long been employed by armorers, saddle-makers and bookbinders. Embossed leather (either with precious metal leaf or "blind-embossed," without such coloration) was a time-honored Florentine craft.
This canister was made in Florence between the world wars. A "modern" Bakelite canister (with screw-down lid) is "wrapped" in handsome leather. Gold-embossed lion heraldry decorates the cover. Lighter gold-embossed graphics embellish the canister's side walls. A canister like this might have been used to store cigarettes. (Today's careful parents may want a place to secrete their "stash.") The canister can also be used to store hard candies, desk items, or little precious possessions which one wants to keep-at-hand. This canister might also be a nice place to inter the remains (or part of them) of a beloved pet.
Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.