From the mid-century modern period, this wooden grolla boasts six spouts surrounding the opening of this vessel.
A grolla, also known as a friendship cup, is a traditional drinking cup native to the Aosta Valley, located in the northwestern region of Italy, nearing the French border.
Squat and round in form, a textural element is added with organic ridges that have been carved into the exterior as though a finger were pressed upon and dragged through the material.
This is a vessel containing a drink meant to be shared and enjoyed amongst friends, traditionally made with grappa, mulling spices, and coffee.
The host lights the drink on fire and then passes it on to guests.
The ancestral tradition, evolving from a mundane bowl made for quotidian uses, maintains that the grolla mustn’t be set down until the contents of the drink are finished — a practice rooted in the spirit of togetherness that was well enjoyed as far back as the Middle-Ages.
This custom is said to bring prosperity and health to those who partake in this convivial experience.
*Our pieces at Studio Zagara may show signs of age and wear, which is just how we like them. They carry with them years of history, so any imperfections should not be viewed as damaged or flawed, but rather the combined stories of people’s lives and experiences.
