Bruno Munari - Cubo

Bruno Munari's Cubo ashtray, designed in 1957 for Danese Milano, is much more than just an accessory: it is a classic piece of Italian design based on a concept of ingenuity and cleanliness.

The story of the Cubo is linked to Munari’s desire to reinvent the traditional ashtray, often seen as unattractive, messy, and malodorous. Its major innovation lies in concealing cigarette butts and ashes inside the object, in contrast with conventional open ashtrays. Munari aimed to make the object as visually clean and neat as possible. The design is minimalist and consists of two simple elements: an outer cubic shell, initially made of melamine, and an inner metal blade in anodized aluminum, inserted at a precise angle. The blade’s inclination creates a top slot that not only allows ashes and butts to fall inside but also extinguishes them by asphyxiation, while isolating heat and odors.

The Cubo illustrates the philosophy of Bruno Munari and Danese Milano: combining an essential, minimalist form with maximum functionality through a simple, intelligent solution.

Munari (1907–1998) was known for his multidisciplinary approach, moving from art to industrial design and pedagogy, always experimenting with form and color.

Despite its apparent simplicity, the Cubo was a breakthrough at the time, as the public was accustomed to traditional open ashtrays. Today, it is recognized worldwide as a design icon and is part of the permanent collections of prestigious museums such as the MoMA in New York.

1957
Material: Melamine, Aluminium
Colors: Black, White, Orange (Cubo S only)
Dimensions: S - 6 x 6 x 6 cm / L - 8 x 8 x 8 cm
Notes: Fire resistant, Removable inner aluminium part

© Danese Milano