Overview
Distinctive sculptural wooden decorative basket produced by Macabo in Cusano Milanino, Italy, during the 1960s, characterized by its elongated organic silhouette, richly textured carved wooden surface, and elegant curved brass handle.
The piece features a warm wooden interior contrasted with an expressive exterior decorated with deep, irregular carvings and lighter cream-colored accents.
An appealing example of Italian mid-century modern decorative design, combining traditional woodworking techniques, organic forms, and refined metal detailing.
Description
This elegant 1960s wooden basket by Macabo features an elongated, shallow bowl-shaped body with softly irregular contours, giving the piece a distinctive organic and sculptural appearance.
The exterior is decorated with a series of deep, irregular carved grooves, arranged in a rhythmic pattern that follows the curved profile of the basket. The contrasting natural wood tones and lighter carved surfaces create a remarkable three-dimensional texture.
The interior presents a smoother finish allowing the natural character of the wood to remain visible.
One of the most distinctive elements is the sculptural brass handle, formed by slender curved metal rods that rise above the basket and intersect in an elegant, flowing composition.
The contrast between the textured wooden body and the smooth golden brass introduces a sophisticated balance between rustic craftsmanship and modernist elegance.
The underside bears the original Macabo manufacturer's stamp, identifying Cusano Milanino, Italy, providing an important reference to the piece's provenance.
Design & Function
The basket reflects the organic and material-focused approach that characterized much of Italian decorative design during the 1960s.
Its elongated silhouette, irregular rim, and carved surface emphasize the natural qualities of wood while transforming a traditional basket into a distinctive decorative object.
The curved brass handle introduces an elegant architectural element, contrasting with the expressive texture of the wooden body.
The slender metal rods create an open sculptural composition above the basket, adding height and visual movement without overwhelming its horizontal proportions.
The piece can be displayed as a decorative centerpiece, wooden catchall, or sculptural tabletop accessory, particularly suited to mid-century modern, eclectic, and contemporary interiors.
Its combination of organic craftsmanship and refined metalwork makes it equally attractive as a practical decorative accessory or a standalone collectible object.
Materials & Aesthetic
The basket is crafted from carved wood with a brass handle, combining two contrasting materials in a sophisticated decorative composition.
The wooden body features a warm reddish-brown interior with visible natural grain and subtle variations in tone.
The exterior is characterized by a deeply carved, almost bark-like texture, with irregular grooves and lighter cream-colored areas that emphasize the relief of the surface.
The carved decoration extends toward the upper rim, creating a distinctive transition between the smooth interior and the more expressive exterior.
The golden brass handle, with its slender intertwined curves, introduces a refined metallic contrast against the warm, earthy tones of the wood.
The overall aesthetic is defined by the interplay between organic shapes, tactile surfaces, and elegant mid-century Italian metalwork.
Technical Details
Product: Sculptural Carved Wooden Basket with Brass Handle by Macabo Cusano Milanino 1960
Designer: Not documented
Manufacturer: Macabo, Cusano Milanino, Italy
Period: 1960s
Materials: Carved wood, brass
Dimensions: Length: 31,5cm | Depth: 18cm | Height: 17cm
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
This 1960s decorative wooden basket by Macabo represents an interesting example of Italian mid-century decorative craftsmanship, distinguished by its expressive carved surface and sculptural brass handle.
Its organic silhouette and contrasting materials reflect the growing interest in natural textures, artisanal techniques, and modernist decorative forms during the postwar period.
The presence of the original Macabo manufacturer's stamp from Cusano Milanino further enhances the piece's identification and historical interest.
Particularly appealing is the combination of the deeply textured wooden body with the delicate, flowing brass structure, creating an object that balances decorative character with sculptural elegance.
An attractive collectible for enthusiasts of Italian mid-century modern design, vintage wooden accessories, sculptural decorative objects, and 1960s Italian craftsmanship.
Designer & Manufacturer
Macabo, based in Cusano Milanino, near Milan, Italy, was associated with the production of decorative objects and home accessories.
This basket reflects the distinctive aesthetic of Italian decorative design during the 1960s, when traditional craftsmanship was frequently combined with modern forms and contrasting materials.
The use of carved wood and brass demonstrates an approach that emphasizes natural textures while introducing elegant metallic details.
The sculptural quality of the handle and the expressive carved decoration give the piece a recognizable character within the broader tradition of Italian mid-century decorative arts.
The original manufacturer's stamp identifies the piece as a Macabo production from Cusano Milanino, Italy.
JF Gallery Design, as the team behind the creation and curation of the official Aldo Tura Archive, wishes to clarify that Macabo is frequently and incorrectly associated with Aldo Tura and Tura Milano because both companies produced objects covered in parchment. Macabo was, however, an entirely independent manufacturer and had no connection with either the designer Aldo Tura or the Tura Milano company. This glacette must therefore be attributed exclusively to Macabo of Cusano Milanino.
