Joe Colombo (Milan, 1930 - 1971) "Asimmetrico Glasses" Glassware created in 1964 by Joe Colombo for Riedel Glass in Austria. The set comprises 11 champagne flutes, 12 water glasses, 11 wine glasses and 12 liqueur glasses. The wine glasses have Joe Colombo and C.J.Riedel’s signatures moulded into the glass of the base. The others have the mark of JC Riedel acid etched into the base. These glasses, among others, form part of the Design Collection at the British Museum in London. Registry number: 2014,8024.522. As they explain on their website: "This was the first drinking glass to move away from the traditional symmetrical shape; the thickened stem and cantilevered bowl produce a fluid sculptural form. Colombo s first version, called Smoke , enabled the glass to be securely grasped with the thumb alone so that the other fingers could hold, for example, a cigarette. The stem is shorter than Asimmetrico , with a flattened base. Colombo subsequently designed Asimmetrico , for use at receptions where the user remained standing. The stem has a longer more rounded form which fits into the hollow of the palm between thumb and index finger, while the bowl rests directly on the back of the hand, allowing the hand to open and turn without upsetting the glass". Reference bibligraphy: Ignazia Favata, Joe Colombo and Italian Design of the Sixties , London 1988, p. 53. N.Benson, Glass of the 50 s and 60 s: A Collector s Guide , London 2002, p. 45.