Idro: A “Rainwatering” Can Designed and Made in Italy

Idro is a watering can designed by Vittorio Venezia and Giulio Iacchetti. A local collaboration, the gardening tool is part of Internoitaliano, a venture founded by Iacchetti in order to promote excellent work by Italian designers and artisans. Like many of Internoitaliano’s household objects and furniture, Idro was handcrafted using traditional techniques.

Specifically, Idro was made by Nino Ciminna, a 75-year-old craftsman based in the coastal city of Palermo. Ciminna has worked with metal since he was just eleven years of age, welding his own creations and selling them on the street. Over time, he earned his reputation as a true example of “lo stagnino,” the traveling tinsmith. Ciminna cut, bent, and soldered Idro in much the same way that he has practiced his art for decades, manipulating the galvanized sheet metal in his bare hands. His process can be observed in this behind-the-scenes short film on Vimeo.

The resulting watering can is handsome and durable. Narrow and clean-lined, Idro’s spout controls the flow of water, though the product comes with a spray attachment for a more diffuse effect. Encouraging sustainable gardening practices, the design also features a flared top that collects rainwater. Simply leave the watering can outside, and let nature fill it for you. Intuitive and sustainable, the object makes the act of gardening easier and more attuned to weather patterns. The quality, eco-friendly design can be seen in action on Vimeo and purchased from the Internoitaliano webshop for 165€.