Founded in 1921 as a Workshop for the processing of brass and nickel silver sheet metal, with foundry, Alessi has always stood out for the high quality of its products. In almost a century of history, the company has gradually evolved to become one of the leading Factories of Italian design, capable of applying its expertise and excellence in design management to many different product types. Open to change and international development, Alessi at the same time has a strong bond with the traditions and cultural background of its area and continues to be synonymous with handcrafted objects produced with the help of machines. Alessis mission is now one of translating its quest for the most advanced cultural, aesthetic, design and functional quality into mass production. Designer products are the result of the constant reconciliation of art and industry, of the Immensity of Creative Potential and the needs of the market. The company is committed to a design approach in which the most advanced expression of international creativity is always balanced against the desires of the general public. Alessi has been described as a Dream Factory, which uses its products to make peoples dreams come true, providing them with the Art and Poetry that they seek. Designed by architect Michael Graves in 1988, this sugar bowl is part of a group of products designed in the 80's and 90's by the architect. This was the first group of products by an American designer to be included in the Alessi catalog. It opened the way for the playful design style that subsequently characterized the 90's, and thanks to an inspired mix of post-modern and pop idioms, has become one of the internationally recognized icons of the 80's.