Bilancia is a perpetual calendar created in 1959 by designer Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. A timeless object thanks to its functionality and style, it features a central section in walnut, and strips in ramin, beech, and maple that slide delicately to display the days and months. An object that has been designed with great finesse, the fourth strip of wood acts as a counterweight. The passing of time, which punctuates our daily life, is the central focus in this refined, Bilancia calendar.
Born in Novara in 1932, Enzo Mari studied at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, and since the 1950s has produced several hundred projects for Italian and foreign companies. He exhibited in various contemporary art museums, then explored design, while continuing to take part in the Venice Biennale and the Milan Triennale. His work is characterised by a perpetual search for new forms and our relationship with objects. With the Animali puzzle, Enzo Mari began his collaboration with Danese, which would see the birth of other future classics such as the Formosa calendar. He went on to work with other design brands such as Driade and Alessi, and embarked on creative projects with some of the biggest names in design, including Ettore Sottsass, Gae Aulenti and Joe Colombo. He designs everyday objects, from simple trays (Elisabetta) to desk accessories (the Ameland letter opener). Enzo Mari has been awarded the "Compasso d'Oro" three times, and his work is shown in major museums such as the "Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna" in Rome, the "Moderna Museet" in Stockholm and the "Stedelijk Museum" in Amsterdam. In 1983, a major exhibition was held at the University of Parma. He now teaches at the Universities of Parma and Milan, and gives lectures in various countries.
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DANESE
Since its creation in 1957, Danese’s philosophy has been to respond to human needs while following society's evolution. The brand collaborates with renowned Italian designers such as Enzo Mari and Bruno Munari. Objects used in daily life are reinterpreted in a contemporary and timeless way, demonstrated by the Formosa and Bilancia wall calendars. Danese favours essential forms with particular focus on the environment and manufacturing methods. Each product is designed to satisfy the function for which it was created, without frills, yet always with remarkable aesthetics.