Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Italian, 1917-2007
An architect, industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, Ettore Sottsass led a revolution in the aesthetics and technology of modern design in the late 20th century. He was a wild man of the Radical Design movement that swept Italy in the late 1960s and ’70s, rejecting rationalism and modernism in favor of ever-more outrageous imaginings in lighting and furniture such as mirrors, lamps, chairs and tables.
Sottsass was the oldest member of the Memphis Group — a design collective, formed in Milan in 1980, whose irreverent, spirited members included Alessandro Mendini, Michele de Lucchi, Michael Graves and Shiro Kuramata. All had grown disillusioned by the staid, black-and-brown “corporatized” modernism that had become endemic in the 1970s. Memphis (the name stemmed from the title of a Bob Dylan song) countered with bold, brash, colorful, yet quirkily minimal designs for furniture, glassware, ceramics and metalwork.
The Memphis Group mocked high-status by building furniture with inexpensive materials such as plastic laminates, decorated to resemble exotic finishes such as animal skins. Their work was both functional and — as intended — shocking.
Even as it preceded the Memphis Group's formal launch, Sottsass's iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell and radical pops of pink neon — embodies many of the collective's postmodern ideals.
Sottsass created innovative furnishings for the likes of Artemide, Knoll, Zanotta and Poltronova, where he reigned as artistic director for nearly two decades beginning in 1958. His most-recognized designs appeared in the first Memphis collection, issued in 1981 — notably the multihued, angular Carlton room divider and Casablanca bookcase. As pieces on 1stDibs demonstrate, however, Sottsass is at his most inspired and expressive in smaller, secondary furnishings such as lamps and chandeliers, and in table pieces and glassware that have playful and sculptural qualities.
Sottsass left the Memphis Group in 1985 in order to concentrate on the growth of Sottsass Associati, a design and architecture consultancy he cofounded in 1980.
It was as an artist that Sottsass was celebrated in his life, in exhibitions at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, in 2006, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art a year later. Even then Sottsass’s work prompted critical debate. And for a man whose greatest pleasure was in astonishing, delighting and ruffling feathers, perhaps there was no greater accolade. That the work remains so revolutionary and bold — that it breaks with convention so sharply it will never be considered mainstream — is a testament to his genius.
Find Ettore Sottsass lighting, decorative objects and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Ettore Sottsass
Ettore Sottsass Floor Vases from 27 Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower, Pair
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two large vases made of burl wood, black and brass designed by Ettore Sottsass for his "27 woods for a Chinese Artificial flower" series. Each of the 27 different vases were made in an edition of 12. These are Numbers 3 and 9 of the twelve "I" editions. Each is signed with applied manufacturers label, "Design Gallery, Milano, Ettore Sottsass, 1995, Made in Italy" with the edition number. Price is for the pair.
Condition: Both are in very good vintage condition. No chips, dents or significant scratches. Both retain the original heavy brass vase insert...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Brass
Alaska Silver Candlestick, by Ettore Sottsass, 1981
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Roma, IT
Alaska is an original decorative silver object realized and created by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s.
Original silver candlestick realized in 1981.
Made in Italy.
The label...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Silver
Ettore Sottsass, Dado Stool T29, Poltronova completely original example, 1960
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Argelato, BO
Ettore Sottsass, Dado T29 stool, Poltronova production, Italy, 1960s
It is one of the most iconic works by the famous Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass. The wooden ba...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Wood
21st Century by Ettore Sottsass Damecuta Mirror Consolle in Marble Pink Portugal
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in massa, IT
Mirros Consolle realized with three different marble, Rosa Portogallo, Bianco Carrara, Rosso Francia.
Designed by Arch. Ettore Sottsass.
Size: cm. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Marble
Ettore Sottsass Umbrella Stand for Rinovel, 1955
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Ettore Sottsass umbrella stand for Rinovel, Italy, 1955. Quick shipping in the continental U.S. via FedEx, $175.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
SOTTSASS ETTORE (1917 - 2007) - Ganga Sculpture-vase from the Short Stories
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Zurich, CH
SOTTSASS ETTORE (1917 - 2007). Ganga Sculpture-vase from the Short Stories series. Signed and dated under the base "SOTTSASS PROVA DEL 06/12/02". Artist's Proof. Total Edition: 33 co...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
Dorane Table Lamp by Etorre Sottsass for Stilnovo in Original Box
By Ettore Sottsass, Stilnovo
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This particular example is in perfect unused condition, it comes in it's original box from 1970's -80's and is one of three different models of these lamps that we have in stock.They...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Metal
Ettore Sottsass, Dado Stool, model T29, completely original 1960s example
By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Ettore Sottsass, Dado Stool, model T29, designed 1963 and manufactured by Poltronova, Italy during the 1960s.
The wooden base is painted in brick red paint with a plain walnut top. ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Italian Modern Murano Glass Ratrih Floor Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Venini 1994
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern steel, marble and Murano glass Ratrih floor lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Venini in 1994.
Ratrih model floor lamp, with round marble base...
Category
1990s Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Marble, Steel
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Mandarin Chair for Knoll w/ Bamboo Arms
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Chicago, IL
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Mandarin Chairs for Knoll w/ Bamboo Arms
5 available
Price per single chair
Style of Memphis Baughman
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Vintage 'Donau' Collection Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini
By Ettore Sottsass, Marco Zanini
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Incredibly rare and exceptional post-modern coffee table by the two of the masters of design, Ettore Sottsass and Marco Zanini. Table is executed in birds eye maple has blue tubular ...
Category
1980s Austrian Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Wood
Olivetti Synthesis Portalettere Design Sottsass - Design - Olivetti
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milano, MI
OLIVETTI SYNTHESIS portalettere Design Sottsass - design - olivetti
OLIVETTI SYNTHESIS
SISTEMA 45 - Portalettere
Design Ettore SOTTSASS ( 1917 ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Plastic
1993 Ettore Sottsass for Knoll Mandarin Dining Chairs in w/ Fabric Upholstery
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of eight Mandarin Chairs, designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Knoll in 1986. The listed price includes one chair, and we have eight available for purchase in th...
Category
1990s American Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Steel
1990s Ettore Sottsass Mandarin Dining Chairs in Mint Green w/ Upholstery
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Postmodern armchair, initially designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll in 1986. These examples date to the 1990s, and the listed price includes one chair. We have three chair...
Category
1990s American Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Steel
Ettore Sottsass "Halo Click 2" Table Lamp for Philips 1988
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very rare unusual colored ‘Halo Click 2’ table lamp designed by Ettore Sottsass for Philips, Holland 1988. This rare lime green table lamp was d...
Category
1980s Dutch Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Metal
Loto Coffee Table, Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, 1980
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The small white marble Loto Coffee Table, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova in 1980, is a luxurious and sophisticated interpretation of the iconic piece. The choice of white...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Marble
Ettore Sottsass Valigia Table Lamp by Stilnovo, Italy, 1977
By Stilnovo, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Four-legged table lamp model Valigia designed by Ettore Sottsass Jr, manufactured by Stilnovo, Italy, 1977. This funny shaped floor lamp is very typical out of the box thinking by Et...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Callimaco Black Steel Floor Lamp Sottsass for Artemide, 1980
By Ettore Sottsass, Artemide
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Callimaco black steel floor lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Artemide, 1980s.
Callimaco floor lamp with conical base in black pa...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Steel
2022 Nine-O Stacking Bar Stools by Ettore Sottsass w/ Grey Upholstered Seats
By Ettore Sottsass, Emeco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are original Emeco “Nine-O” Upholstered Bar Stools, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 2008. The listed price includes one stool, and we have several stools available for purch...
Category
2010s American Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
2008 Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Dining Arm Chair Abacus Fabric
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (The price listed is for one chair, however, four are available) Eero Saarinen for Knoll executive arm chair in Knoll's 5A Peacock color of the Abacus fab...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Metal
1960s Eero Saarinen for Knoll Executive Dining Arm Chair in Black Leather
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1960s executive armchair No. 71 USB designed by Eero Saarinen and produced by Knoll. This particular example retains part of its original 320 Park Avenue label, ...
Category
1960s American Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Italian Mid-Century Steel Valigia Floor Table Lamp by Sottsass Stilnovo, 1970
By Ettore Sottsass, Stilnovo
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century steel Valigia floor or table lamp by Sottsass for Stilnovo, 1970s
Valigia table or floor lamp with tubular structure in white painted tubular steel. The sheet me...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
Umbrella standing by Ettore Sottsass for Rinnovel - Italy - 70's
By Rinnovel, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Padova, IT
Umbrella stand designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by the Rinnovel Metallurgical Industry in the 70s. Rare and famous object, passed through many important auctions in the secto...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Ettore Sottsass Halo Click Table Lamp Philips, 1988
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare ‘Halo Click 2’ table lamp designed by Ettore Sottsass for Philips, Holland 1988. This rare off-white table lamp was designed by Ettore Sottsass for the...
Category
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Metal
21st Century Ettore Sottsass Darpanah Table Lamp in LightPink/MilkWhite/Sapphire
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
Located in murano, IT
Appealing in shape and glow, it is tinged with a hint of Sapphire and Pink. Darpanah fascinates the viewer. Its powerful aesthetics urged Ettore Sottsass to turn to Sanskrit for insp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Glass
Coffee Table in Laminated Wood by Ettore Sottsass for Alessi, Italy
By Alessi, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milan, Italy
A beautiful coffee table in laminated wood designed by Ettore Sottsass for Alessi, circa 1990.
Biography
Ettore Sottsass (Italian, 1917–2007) was an architect and designer, labeled ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Wood
1986 Set of Four Knoll Mandarin Armless Dining Chairs by Ettore Sottsass
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of 4 Mandarin Chairs, designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Knoll in 1986. The listed price includes the set of 4. Their design features an upholstered seat & bac...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Steel
Ceramica di Ettore Sottsass per Poltronova, 1960s
By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova
Located in Quarrata, IT
Posacenere in ceramica di Ettore Sottsass per Poltronova.
Bibliografia: Catalogo Poltronova.
Category
1960s Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Murano Glass Vase Model Medusa by Ettore Sottsass for Venini.
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milan, Italy
A beautiful Murano vase designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Venini in 1997. Limited edition 99 piece. Signed and numbered 71/99. Original label. Model out production. Exposed...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
Ettore Sottsass "Tigris" Vase
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in NYC, NY
Sculptural porcelain vase entitled "Tigris". Designed by Ettore Sottsass for the Memphis Milano collection.
Original label on base reads "E. Sottsass per Memphis".
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
21st Century by E.Sottsass Round Centerpiece in White and Pink Marble and Copper
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in massa, IT
"Gaya" marble centerpiece designed by Arch. Ettore Sottsass.
Size: cm. Ø 38 x 33
Materials: Rosa Portogallo / Bianco Carrara / Rame
Designed by: Ettore Sottsass.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Marble
1970, Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Synthesi in Brown Plastic
By Ettore Sottsass, Olivetti
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house.
Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Metal
1990s Ettore Sottsass Mandarin Dining Chair in Silver w/ Grey Upholstery
By Knoll, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Mandarin Chairs, designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Knoll in 1986. The listed price includes one chair, and we have three available for purchase in this colorway. ...
Category
1990s American Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Steel
Ettore Sottsass, Aluminum Umbrella Holder for Rinnovel, 1955, Italy
By Rinnovel, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milan, IT
Ettore Sottsass, Aluminum Umbrella Holder for Rinnovel, 1955, Italy
Ettore Sottsass was an influential Italian architect and designer, best known for his role in founding the Memphi...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
21st Century by E.Sottsass Italian Round Centerpiece in White+Pink+Black Marble
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in massa, IT
Marble centerpiece "Diu" designed by Arch. Ettore Sottsass.
Size: cm. Ø 39 x 17
Materials: Rosa Portogallo / Nero Marquina / Bianco Carrara
Designed by: Ettore Sottsass.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Marble
Park Coffee Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Park coffee table in marble, metal and glass by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection
Additional information:
...
Category
2010s Ettore Sottsass Furniture
Materials
Glass
Price Upon Request
Ettore Sottsass furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Ettore Sottsass furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ettore Sottsass furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 389 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 188 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Ettore Sottsass were created in the modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Gaetano Pesce, Alessandro Mendini, and VG-VGnewtrend. Prices for Ettore Sottsass furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $104 and can go as high as $88,999, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,267.
Creators Similar to Ettore Sottsass
Questions About Ettore Sottsass Furniture
- Why is Ettore Sottsass famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Ettore Sottsass is famous for his work as an architect and an industrial designer, which spurred a revolution in the aesthetics and technology of modern design in the late 20th century. He was the oldest member of the Memphis Group, a design collective formed in Milan in 1980. Having grown disillusioned by the staid, black-and-brown corporatized modernism that had become endemic in the 1970s, the Memphis Group produced bold, brash, colorful, yet quirkily minimal designs for furniture, glassware, ceramics and metalwork. They mocked high status by building furniture with inexpensive materials, such as plastic laminates, decorated to resemble exotic finishes like animal skins. Other than his Ultrafragola mirror (1970), Sottsass's most-recognized designs appeared in the first Memphis collection, issued in 1981. They include the multihued, angular Carlton room divider and Casablanca bookcase. Shop a diverse assortment of Ettore Sotsass furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- Where is Ettore Sottsass from?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Ettore Sottsass was from Innsbruck, Austria. He was born there on September 14, 1917, but he moved to Turin, Italy, as a child. The Italian architect and designer died in Milan, Italy, on December 31, 2007. You'll find a variety of Ettore Sottsass furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024The Italian design group led by Italian architectural and product designer Ettore Sottsass is called the Memphis Group. To many people, postmodern design is synonymous with the Memphis Group. This Italian collaborative created the most radical and attention-getting designs of the period, upending most of the accepted standards of how furniture should look. The group decided to design, produce and market its own collection, one that wouldn’t be restricted by concerns like functionality and so-called good taste. Its debut at Milan’s 1981 Salone del Mobile drew thousands of viewers and caused a major stir in design circles. In addition to Sottsass, the members of the group included Andrea Branzi, Aldo Cibic, Michele de Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Kuramata, Paola Navone, Peter Shire, George Sowden and Barbara Radice, who was Sottsass's wife. Find a collection of Memphis Group furniture on 1stDibs.
- What did Ettore Sottsass do?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Ettore Sottsass was an architect and designer. He founded the Memphis Group, a collective of designers active from 1981 to 1987. The Ultrafragola mirror is one of his most well-known designs. On 1stDibs, you can shop a variety of Ettore Sottsass furniture.
- What inspired Ettore Sottsass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Ettore Sottsass was inspired by many things, including pop culture, travel and various cultures from around the world. His primary objective of his work was to bring out the deeper beauty of whatever he created. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Ettore Sottsass furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To pronounce Ettore Sottsass, say "AY-tore-ee SOAT-sas." The second syllable of the designer's surname sounds similar to the word “sauce” but with a shorter, clipped vowel. On 1stDibs, find a range of Ettore Sottsass furniture.
- Where did Ettore Sottsass study?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Ettore Sottsass studied at the Politecnico di Torino in Turin, Italy. In 1939, he graduated from the institution with a degree in architecture. Sottsass began working as an artist and designer in the late 1940s. He produced furniture, ceramics, paintings, sculptures and jewelry. Find a variety of Ettore Sottsass furniture on 1stDibs.
- What did Ettore Sottsass design?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Ettore Sottsass was a famous 20th century architect and designer known for his work in furniture, lighting, jewelry and more, as well as from his work in designing buildings. He was Italian, though he was born in Austria, and lived from 1917 to 2007. Shop a range of Ettore Sottsass pieces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Ettore Sottsass used a variety of materials over the course of his career. The Italian artist experimented with glass, ceramics, enamel, brass, textiles and more. Along with fellow members of the Memphis Group, he skewed expectations for furniture by using inexpensive materials such as plastic laminates decorated to resemble exotic finishes like animal skins. He also revolutionized ceramics through the pieces he created for the Italian maker Bitossi. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Ettore Sottsass art.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Ettore Sottsass's father, also named Ettore Sottsass, designed modernist architecture. He worked for the firm Movimento Italiano per l'Architettura Razionale or MIAR. Giuseppe Pagano was the company's head architect. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Ettore Sottsass furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Ettore Sottsass did not design the Carlton room divider for a specific patron or client. He created the piece while working with the Memphis Group, an art collective that held joint shows from 1981 to 1987. Find a selection of Ettore Sottsass furniture on 1stDibs.
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