Achille Castiglioni, Menage (Oil and Vinegar cruet), 1980. Manufactured by Alessi.
The idea of longevity is reflected in the designed objects in the same way as Achille Castiglioni’s general love of the tradition of eating together. In Castiglioni’s work, we can see the laid table as a reference to the communicative significance of eating. The decorated, laid table is also a recurring exhibit in the numerous exhibitions and presentations.
Castiglioni observed that the lid is usually the most troublesome part of oil and vinegar cruets. Once it is taken off, no one knows what to do with it. He thus left the lid hinged to the bottle and provided it with two big metal ears that work as counterweights. The ears keep the lid in a horizontal position-open while the liquid is poured, closed when the bottle returns to an upright position. (Source MoMa)
Design is fine. History is mine. 