Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Modernist Lucite Ice Bucket in the Style of Alessandro Albrizzi

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A striking Mid-Century Modernist ice bucket featuring a suspended cylindrical chamber inside a thick, clear acrylic cube. The architectural design uses geometric planes and beveled edges to create a fascinating play of light and shadow.

Story

During the 1970s, high-end designers transformed barware into sculptural art. This piece uses optical illusion to make ice appear suspended in mid-air, turning a simple party utility into a mesmerizing conversation starter.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this piece strongly reflects the pioneering acrylic designs of Alessandro Albrizzi and Charles Hollis Jones. These designers elevated industrial plastics into high-end luxury materials favored by Hollywood elite and international jet-setters.

Condition & Value

The photos show light surface scratching and minor clouding consistent with age and use. Acrylic is highly susceptible to scratching; professional polishing can restore its original clarity and significantly improve its value. Value is driven by the popularity of Mid-Century Modern barware and the sculptural quality of the design.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.