Designer cups and cans
For each designer cup and can, there is an artistic design to be viewed, touched and cradled in the hands.
A passion for all things beautiful and well-made, a keen appreciation of modern art and the exceptional quality of its blend inspired illy to combine the sensory pleasure of coffee with the aesthetic pleasure of art, in the form of ordinary objects like espresso cups and coffee cans that we use every day.
The illy Art Collections are series of cups designed by contemporary artists, miniature limited-edition works of art that transform the act of drinking an espresso or cappuccino into an incredible experience involving the mind and all five senses.
The porcelain espresso cup – the icon of illycaffé - was created by Matteo Thun in 1992 based on an idea by Francesco Illy. Since that time, the cup has been interpreted by more than 70 international artists including Michelangelo Pistoletto, Marina Abramovic, Sandro Chia, Julian Schnabel, Robert Rauschenberg, Jeff Koons, Joseph Kosuth and James Rosenquist.
illy Art Collections have been designed not only by renowned artists but also by young talents: through this project illy has given art students from all over the world an opportunity to express themselves and receive notice.
The illy Art Collection cups are produced in sets of six cups for espresso and cappuccino.
Alternatively, they are available in special packs containing a single espresso cup.
2006 saw the arrival of a new illy Art Collection item: the designer coffee can. Artists add their own creative touches to the 250 g can, transforming its surface into a miniature masterpiece. The product details are printed on a peel-off transparent film to maximize the impact of the design and preserve the illy Art Collection can as an exclusive work of art.
Each cup, each can, generates a series of relationships and dialogues between illycaffè and its artists, whose collaboration often extends to include other media, other locations such as museums, exhibitions, books and other events. The artists are also able to communicate with the public, as their work leaves the exhibition or gallery to convey an unexpected message to people simply enjoying a coffee break.
