Piero FORNASETTI, Toscanini's Gala Reopening of La Scala

Piero FORNASETTI (1913-1988)
Trompe-l'œil ashtray with facsimile printed programme of
Arturo Toscanini's post-war gala reopening of La Scala, May 11, 1946
Italian, Circa 1950's

Measures: 21 cm high x 13 cm wide

An original issue Piero Fornasetti piece, made during the 1950's. Of the smaller objects designed by Fornasetti, few so succinctly encapsulate the designer's wit, pride in his Italian and Milanese heritage or are so evocative of the era in which they were concieved.

The Teatro alla Scala, "La Scala" (Milan's famous opera house), had been severely damaged by bombing in 1943. It was restored and reopened on 11 May 1946 with a gala night of music conducted by the legendary maestro Arturo Toscanini (1867-1956).