Italian Glass Charger by Piero Fornasetti

A circle of arches, drawn in frost.

Italian glassmakers produced this glass charger in the mid 20th century. Chargers are large decorative plates, commonly used as a base for serving or simply for display. Clear glass forms the plate, and a wide border is frosted with rows of arched bays, like an arcade. At the center, a ring of fine lines and dots suggests a tiered amphitheater. It was photographed against a dark background that lets the pattern glow.

About 14 inches across, and an inch deep. Stands on a sideboard or a wall with equal ease.