Overview
Exceptional Model 735D thermos designed by Aldo Tura for Tura Milano in the late 1950s, distinguished by its striking red parchment finish, hand-painted medieval equestrian decoration, and elegant brass detailing.
This distinctive Italian vintage thermos combines a sculptural tapered silhouette with richly illustrated decorative motifs depicting a medieval knight on horseback. The vivid red background contrasts beautifully with the golden tones of the painted figures and satin-finished brass elements.
An exquisite example of Aldo Tura's luxurious approach to Italian mid-century decorative design, where traditional craftsmanship, unusual materials, and artistic expression come together in an everyday object transformed into a collectible design piece.
Description
This remarkable Model 735D thermos by Aldo Tura, manufactured by Tura Milano during the late 1950s, features an elegant elongated body with a subtly tapered cylindrical silhouette.
The exterior is entirely covered in rich red parchment, finished with a glossy protective surface that enhances the depth and intensity of its vibrant coloration.
The body is decorated with an elaborate hand-painted medieval equestrian scene, depicting an armored knight holding a lance while riding a stylized horse. The illustrations are executed in warm golden and ochre tones, outlined in black, creating a striking contrast against the deep red background.
The decorative composition extends around the cylindrical body, revealing different details of the horse and rider from each viewing angle.
The thermos is completed by a satin-finished brass upper section and a gracefully curved brass side handle, both contributing to its refined and luxurious appearance.
Its distinctive combination of parchment, hand-painted decoration, and metal detailing reflects the sophisticated craftsmanship associated with Aldo Tura's creations.
Design & Function
The Model 735D illustrates Aldo Tura's ability to transform a practical household accessory into an expressive decorative object.
The thermos features a tall, slightly tapered body, visually balanced by its curved side handle and cylindrical brass upper section.
The contrast between the simple geometric silhouette and the elaborate figurative decoration creates a sophisticated balance between modernist design and traditional artistic references.
Particularly distinctive is the medieval knight and horse motif, which introduces a narrative element rarely encountered in conventional mid-century table accessories.
The brass handle follows a gentle outward curve, complementing the vertical proportions of the body while providing an elegant visual counterpoint to its architectural silhouette.
Beyond its original purpose as a beverage container, the thermos possesses a strong decorative presence, making it suitable for display in a curated interior, private collection, or alongside other Aldo Tura accessories.
Materials & Aesthetic
The thermos is characterized by a sophisticated combination of red parchment, hand-painted decoration, and satin-finished brass.
The parchment exterior displays a vibrant red coloration with subtle tonal variations beneath its glossy finish, creating a rich and visually engaging surface.
The hand-painted equestrian illustrations feature golden, ochre, and black pigments, with carefully defined outlines and stylized details that recall medieval decorative imagery.
The brass upper section and curved handle introduce a warm metallic contrast, reinforcing the luxurious character of the design.
The interplay between the reflective red surface, intricate painted figures, and softly brushed brass produces a distinctive aesthetic closely associated with Aldo Tura's decorative creations of the 1950s.
Technical Details
Product: Aldo Tura Red Parchment Mid Century Thermos Model 735D for Tura Milano 1950
Designer: Aldo Tura
Manufacturer: Tura Milano, Italy
Period: Late 1950s
Materials: Red parchment, hand-painted decoration, brass, internal thermos components
Dimensions: Height: 35cm | Diameter: 13,5cm
Condition: Please note that this item is in good vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We kindly invite you to take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
Collectibility
The Model 735D thermos by Aldo Tura for Tura Milano, dating to the late 1950s, represents a distinctive example of Italian decorative design from the postwar period.
Its appeal lies in the unusual combination of vibrant red parchment, hand-painted medieval imagery, and elegant brass elements, materials and decorative techniques strongly associated with Tura's artistic identity.
The figurative equestrian decoration gives this example a particularly recognizable character, distinguishing it from more conventional mid-century barware and table accessories.
The thermos reflects an important aspect of Aldo Tura's production: the transformation of functional objects into sophisticated decorative pieces through meticulous attention to materials, finishes, and artistic details.
An attractive collectible for admirers of Aldo Tura, Italian mid-century modern design, and vintage luxury barware, particularly when displayed alongside other parchment-covered objects from Tura Milano.
It is sold with a certificate of authenticity issued by the Aldo Tura Official Archive, of which JF Gallery Design is the current custodian, confirming its attribution and its historical and collectible importance.
Designer & Manufacturer
Aldo Tura (1909–1963) was an influential Italian designer and entrepreneur celebrated for his distinctive approach to luxury furniture and decorative accessories.
Working in the Milan area, Tura developed a highly recognizable aesthetic characterized by the use of parchment, lacquered surfaces, rich colors, and refined metal detailing.
His creations frequently incorporated unusual decorative themes, including figurative illustrations, historical references, and elaborate hand-painted compositions.
Rather than following the strict minimalism associated with certain modernist movements, Tura embraced a more expressive interpretation of Italian design, combining traditional craftsmanship with sophisticated contemporary forms.
Tura Milano, the company associated with Aldo Tura's production, became renowned for its distinctive furniture, bar accessories, and decorative objects, particularly those featuring richly colored parchment and meticulous handcrafted finishes.
Today, original Aldo Tura creations are appreciated internationally for their recognizable aesthetic, material sophistication, and contribution to the history of twentieth-century Italian decorative design.
