BRUNO MUNARI, 1957
Object
Cubo is an elegant table ashtray designed in 1957 by artist Bruno Munari, revolutionizing traditional ashtray design with its structure that conceals ashes and cigarette butts (which at the time where much part of Italian life, in open ashtrays that would be placed on the table during meals or any social occasion).
Munari’s design of Cubo stems from his exploration of forms, viewed not only as functional solutions but also as cultural expressions of a particular time in society.
Despite initial challenges in finding interested manufacturers, Cubo achieved great success when Danese added it to their catalog three years after its creation.
The design of this small ashtray combines functionality and form, offering an innovative concept (foe the end of the 50s) that hides cigarette butts from view. This is achieved thanks to the typical clean aesthetics and intelligent solutions that made Bruno Munari one of the most important figures in Italian and international design.
Cubo Ashtray: The PROJECT
This object by Munari consists of two elements: a cubic shell open on one side and an internal metal plate. The outer shell, made of melamine resin (a material that is odorless, colorless, fire-resistant, water-resistant, and resistant to chemicals), encloses an anodized aluminum plate. This plate, precisely angled, not only conceals cigarette butts and ash but also facilitates the extinguishing of cigarettes by asphyxiation while isolating the heat.
The ashtray’s design creates a clean aesthetic—an important aspect of this project, as it contrasts with the traditional open ashtray, usually messy and dirty.
Aestetically, the appearance of an open ashtray changes once ash and cigarette butts are deposited in it, whereas Munari’s Cubo maintains its consistent look during its use, creating a unified atmosphere.
From a practical standpoint, the Cubo ashtray is designed to prevent accidental spills and keep its contents secure, even in windy conditions. This makes Munari’s ashtray pleasant to use for both smokers and non-smokers. In terms of maintenance, Cubo is practical and easy to clean: simply remove the metal plate, empty it, and wash it without the risk of spilling the contents.
In this video, Bruno Munari talks about his Cubo Ashtray:
Cubo in Museums
Cubo is an important object for Italian design of the 50s and 60s, and one of the most successful projects by Bruno Munari.
It is part of the permanent collections at the MoMA in New York, the Triennale di Milano, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
BRUNO MUNARI
Bruno Munari (1907-1998) was an Italian artist and designer, a pioneer of contemporary design. Known for his multidisciplinary creativity, he worked on books, sculptures, industrial design, and pedagogy. His aesthetic and functional research influenced generations, leaving an indelible mark on both Italian and international design landscapes.
DANESE
Founded in Milan by Bruno Danese and Jacqueline Vodoz, Danese Milano is a cultural and industrial project aimed at merging art and design, with the goal of bringing art into people’s everyday lives. The company’s success is marked by famous collaborations with Bruno Munari, Enzo Mari, and Achille Castiglioni, which have cemented its place as a historic Milanese design company.
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Details
Produced by Danese
Small: 6x6x6 cm
Large: 8x8x8 cm
Made from aluminum and melamine, a non-flammable, odorless resin that is resistant to heat and cigarette burns.
The internal aluminum part is removable.
