Uma Incense holder by Alessi

Uma is a Tibetan word wich can be translated as "in between". It is also the name of the four principal philosophical schools of Tibetan Buddhism and describes the position between "to be" and "not to be". The shape of this object is obviously inspired by a strong symbolism : the Egg, symbol for both the microcosm and the Great Universe, the plate sumbolises the offering and its black colour, the Universe. Incense is also the symbol of the purification of both man's internal energy.

Detailed color: Steel and black
Detailed material: Stainless steel and ceramic

Alessi Italian manufacturing soared to new heights in the 20^th century and one company is synonymous with this lofty ascent. Beginning with coffee sets and trays and by the 1950s collaborating with international architects and designers including Ettore Sottsass, Alessi gained international popularity with its first cult object designed by Richard Sapper in 1978. Linking the present to the past, Sapper designed an espresso coffee pot. Philippe Starck was soon to follow with the Juicy Salif lemon squeezer, which has found its way into the Whitney Collection in New York. In fact, Alessi products can be found in museums across the world. Innovation and experimentation are two keys to understanding Alessi’s success.