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Alessi KettleWith an Alessi® gift you have always a great design gift. With an alessi kettle you bring art into your kitchen. Or do you need a gift for a design-conscious friend? Bingo! The original stainless steel kettle is a symbol of post-modern design. This designer kettle with bird keeps on going from exposure to exposure and is actually the bestseller in the history of Alessi. Most influential object of the post-modern styleDesigned by the American architect, Michael Graves, in 1985, the kettle with the bird whistle soon became a company favourite in homes all over the world. Michael Graves, with his very personal and formal style, used influences from different sources: art deco, the european tradition, american pop with flashes of pre-colombian culture. Design manuals are citing the kettle as being one of the most important objects of the post-modern style. With the typical design of the 1980's it can be considered an anchestor to the 'playful' approach to design. Aesthetics and function brought togetherThe body of the kettle was formed to hold a large volume of water at its base, near the flame. The handle was close over the pot's side, by this the exposure to the direct heat of the cooking surface is avoided. It was only after these functional requirements were achieved that the character of the kettle was planned – design followed function - and produced an most attractive and interesting object.Alessi kettle with small bird-shaped whistleEverything about this alessi kettle delights, from its bursts of color and shape to the great attention to detail . You have the choice between three finishes:- the classic Polished stainless steel where you can get handles and whistle in different colours - A beautifully finished "Gold Kettle" in steel. It’s coloured with a baked-on coating of silicon resin, pale gold, with handle and whistle in white - the practical Black Kettle This water kettles can also be used as a teapot. It’s height is 22.5 cm and the diameter 22 cm. Usually these kettles are supplied in their own sturdy box – what a perfect as a gift! Alessi cordless electric kettle In the meatime you can also get a cordless electric kettle for everybody who needs more functionality and comfort. The design is almost the same with of course the small bird-shaped whistle. For more informaion click on the small kettle picture above. About the designer: Michael GravesThe internationally known architect Michael Graves studied at the university of cincinnati and harvard university. He was then professor at the princeton university before joining the american acadamy in rome in 1960. He certainly absorbed plenty of the italian design principles while in rom. He sees himself as a 'general practitioner' in design.The kettle has been subsequently joined by a whole range associated table top and kitchen items utilising the same design motifs. With the cheese dome and trays he demonstrates his ability to create in quite different styles. Alessi kettle with melodic whistle by Richard SaperThe very first whistling kettle produced by Alessi was in 1983 by Richard Sapper. It is an instantly recognisable kettle and also now a classic. It's often featured in TV spots and movies. An intersting feature of this Alessi kettle is the brass whistle.It's been designed to produce fine comforting melodic tones with notes "E" and "B" rather than a high pitched "noise". When the kettle boils and the steam is pressed through the whistle, it produces a Harmonica style alert. That’s why the Saper kettle is also known as the Harmonica kettle. By the way, Sapers inspiration came from the barges and steamers that ply the Rhine. Return from "alessi kettle" page to Best Italian Gifts
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