Skip to main content

Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

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.

to
6
87
70
9
87
79
19
65
6
10
13
15
33
66
29
69
62
26
20
11
141
19
151
115
26
6
6
Height
to
Width
to
166
103
146
445
1,518
699
543
519
Creator: Ettore Sottsass
Vase Yemen by Ettore Sottsass for Venini Murano ca. 1994
Vase Yemen by Ettore Sottsass for Venini Murano ca. 1994

Vase Yemen by Ettore Sottsass for Venini Murano ca. 1994

By Ettore Sottsass, Venini

Located in Berghuelen, DE

Vase Yemen by Ettore Sottsass for Venini Murano ca. 1994 A vintage vase from the 'Yemen' series, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1994. Manufactured by Venini Murano Venice in 2002. T...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Chalice Vase by Ettore Sottsass
Chalice Vase by Ettore Sottsass

Chalice Vase by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi

Located in Milan, IT

This elegant vase was designed by famous Italian architect Ettore Sottsass in 1962. It is in white clay and its geometric shape with a white finish is adorned with a series of parall...

Category

2010s Italian Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Sirio Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

Sirio Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Sirio glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the edge of the Stand: "E. Sottsass per Memphis Milano”. For further information please see authen...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

VENINI vase Yemen multicolor Murano Glass, Signed 2014, Design by Sottsass
VENINI vase Yemen multicolor Murano Glass, Signed 2014, Design by Sottsass

VENINI vase Yemen multicolor Murano Glass, Signed 2014, Design by Sottsass

By Venini, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Venezia, IT

VENINI vase Yemen multicolor Murano Glass, Signed 2014 and designed by Ettore Sottsass with original box and paperwork. The Yemen vase, designed by Ettore ...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Ettore Sottsass Model 585 Oxblood Red Ceramic Vase, Il Sestante, Italy, 1961
Ettore Sottsass Model 585 Oxblood Red Ceramic Vase, Il Sestante, Italy, 1961

Ettore Sottsass Model 585 Oxblood Red Ceramic Vase, Il Sestante, Italy, 1961

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Dronten, NL

An exceptional example of Ettore Sottsass’ early ceramic production, this striking vase—model 585—was designed in 1960 and realized circa 1961 by the Società Ceramica Toscana di Figl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter, Italy 1960s
Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter, Italy 1960s

Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter, Italy 1960s

By Ettore Sottsass, Olivetti

Located in Naples, IT

Famous and Iconic Portable Typewriter Mod. Valentine designed by Ettore Sottsass and Peter King, for the company Olivetti in 1960, the typewriter is in very good condition with case ...

Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, Ettore Sottsass, Glazed Ceramic, XXe, Spanish
Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, Ettore Sottsass, Glazed Ceramic, XXe, Spanish

Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, Ettore Sottsass, Glazed Ceramic, XXe, Spanish

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Barcelona, ES

The Shiva vase is sculpture and vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon. Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Memphis Milano Carlton Miniature, Limited Edition by Ettore Sottsass
Memphis Milano Carlton Miniature, Limited Edition by Ettore Sottsass

Memphis Milano Carlton Miniature, Limited Edition by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in Toronto, ON

Perfect 1:4 scale reproduction of the Carlton bookcase in a limited edition of 1000 pieces. About Carlton: An absolute icon of Memphis designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981, Carlton ...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Laminate, Wood

20th Century, Ettore Sottsass for Mirabili EAD Totem
20th Century, Ettore Sottsass for Mirabili EAD Totem

20th Century, Ettore Sottsass for Mirabili EAD Totem

By Ettore Sottsass, Mirabili

Located in Turin, Turin

Ettore Sottsass grew up in Turin, and graduated in architecture from the Turin Polytechnic in 1939. In 1947, he founded his own studio in Milan. In 1956, Sottsass moved to New York w...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic optical Tile Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Cedit Ceramiche, 1968
Ceramic optical Tile Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Cedit Ceramiche, 1968

Ceramic optical Tile Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Cedit Ceramiche, 1968

By Cedit Ceramiche 1, Ettore Sottsass

Located in taranto, IT

Rare ceramic tile designed in 1968 by Ettore Sottsass for Cedit Ceramiche aluminum frame Size with frame 35x35 cm, tile size 15x15 cm, protrusion from the wall 5 cm Very good cond...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Quadrotto Accademia Lagostina Memphis design ETTORE SOTTSASS 1980
Quadrotto Accademia Lagostina Memphis design ETTORE SOTTSASS 1980

Quadrotto Accademia Lagostina Memphis design ETTORE SOTTSASS 1980

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in Palermo, IT

Accademia Lagostina Quadrotto Tray (1980) - Memphis Design by Ettore Sottsass This rare "Quadrotto" tray is an iconic expression of 1980s postmodern design, conceived by visionary E...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

14 Astidamia Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

14 Astidamia Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Astidamia glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Astidamia Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed “E.Sottsass ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Vase Mod. Azzurro Extrachiaro in Colored Glass
20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Vase Mod. Azzurro Extrachiaro in Colored Glass

20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Vase Mod. Azzurro Extrachiaro in Colored Glass

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Turin, Turin

Beautiful vase or centerpiece designed in the beginning of 2000 by the great Italian designer Ettore Sottsass for RSVP. The centerpiece is entirely in colored glass, 10 mm thick. The...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

30 Pasifila Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

30 Pasifila Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Pasifil Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection, made in blown Murano glass. Signed on the base, for ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Murmansk Silver Plated Brass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
Murmansk Silver Plated Brass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

Murmansk Silver Plated Brass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Murmansk Fruit Bowl in Brass with plated Silver. The "Murmansk" is a fruit bowl is one of the first designs produced by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis in 1982. The sleek bowl is plated silver over brass, and sitting on six stepped legs...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Silver

20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Centerpiece Mod. Azzurro in Colored Glass
20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Centerpiece Mod. Azzurro in Colored Glass

20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Centerpiece Mod. Azzurro in Colored Glass

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Turin, Turin

Ettore Sottsass grew up in Turin, and graduated in architecture from the Turin Polytechnic in 1939. In 1947, he founded his own studio in Milan. In 1956, Sottsass moved to New York w...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

21 Clesitera Glass Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
21 Clesitera Glass Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

21 Clesitera Glass Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Clesitera glass vase with pendant, was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is blown glass, and signed on the base, for further information please see authent...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

"Y25" box, "Yantra" series, Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre, 1969
"Y25" box, "Yantra" series, Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre, 1969

"Y25" box, "Yantra" series, Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre, 1969

By Design Centre, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Periwinkle-colored ceramic box from the "Yantra" series, model "Y25," designed in 1969 by Ettore Sottsass and distributed by Design Centre. Italy, 1969. The base bears the signature...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

33 Neobule Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
33 Neobule Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

33 Neobule Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Neobule Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The Vase is glass blown and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ettore Sottsass Shiva Capsule Limited Edition Blue Vase 137/999
Ettore Sottsass Shiva Capsule Limited Edition Blue Vase 137/999

Ettore Sottsass Shiva Capsule Limited Edition Blue Vase 137/999

By Ettore Sottsass, BD Barcelona Design

Located in Barcelona, ES

Blue Shiva ceramic vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona. This piece has been produced as a limited edition with a total of only 999 units. This is...

Category

2010s Spanish Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase A
Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase A

Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase A

By Design Gallery Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Barcelona, ES

Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase A by Ettore Sottsass, edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 8 / 12. ...

Category

1990s European Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Postmodern Ettore Sottsass Model 592 "Fischietto" Vase For Habitat, 2000
Postmodern Ettore Sottsass Model 592 "Fischietto" Vase For Habitat, 2000

Postmodern Ettore Sottsass Model 592 "Fischietto" Vase For Habitat, 2000

By Habitat International, Ettore Sottsass

Located in London, GB

For sale a rare & iconic Post-Modern “FISCHIETTO” ("Whistle" in Italian) vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, produced by Habitat in 2000 and made of earthenware, glazed in light &a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Ettore Sottsass Vase Mediterraneo Green Gilt Waves Lavori in Corso Signed Dated
Ettore Sottsass Vase Mediterraneo Green Gilt Waves Lavori in Corso Signed Dated

Ettore Sottsass Vase Mediterraneo Green Gilt Waves Lavori in Corso Signed Dated

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Wilton, CT

Ettore Sottsass Mediterreneo large vase or urn with gilt waves on a green glazed ground. From an edition of 15, dated 2000. Original Lavori in Corso label. Measures:  9" high, 9 3/4"...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Ettore Sottsass Y29 Vase in Black Enameled Ceramic Yantra Series Poltronova 70s
Ettore Sottsass Y29 Vase in Black Enameled Ceramic Yantra Series Poltronova 70s

Ettore Sottsass Y29 Vase in Black Enameled Ceramic Yantra Series Poltronova 70s

By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova

Located in Cascina, Pisa

This ceramic piece is part of the Yantra series by Ettore Sottsass, a collection of thirty-nine forms including containers, ashtrays, vases and bowls, created between 1969 and 1973 a...

Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

1950s Italian Decorative Object "MELA" by Ettore Sottsass
1950s Italian Decorative Object "MELA" by Ettore Sottsass

1950s Italian Decorative Object "MELA" by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mela" apple bowl was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1953 for Rinnovel. Sottsass wasn't originally italian, he was born on 1917 in Innsbruck, (Austria), but...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Chrome

2 Fililla Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

2 Fililla Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Fililla Glass Vase is blown glass, with a pendant and was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. Signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Midcentury Decorated Vase by Ettore Sottsass for Egizia, Italy, 1980
Midcentury Decorated Vase by Ettore Sottsass for Egizia, Italy, 1980

Midcentury Decorated Vase by Ettore Sottsass for Egizia, Italy, 1980

By Egizia, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Piacenza, Italy

Glass vase in orange shades with silver animals decoration. Beautiful piece made by Ettore Sottsass forEgizia. Italy, 1980 The vase has its original label.

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

“Luna” Blown glass vase resting on a marble base by Ettore Sottsass
“Luna” Blown glass vase resting on a marble base by Ettore Sottsass

“Luna” Blown glass vase resting on a marble base by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Venini

Located in Uccle, BE

Luna by Ettore Sottsass “Luna” Blown glass vase resting on a marble base by Ettore Sottsass. Very pale green glass vase resting on a gray veined white marble base. From a limited edition of 29 copies. Our example designed and manufactured in 1997 and bearing the number 1/29. Lit. : Marino Barovier, Sottsass: Glass works, 1998, p.108. Our example designed and manufactured in 1997 and bearing number 1/29. Signed with diamond point “venini 97 Ettore Sottsass 1/29”. Original transparent plastic label holder...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Ettore Sottsass Vase from the Rocchetti series. No. 1 of 20.  Signed
Ettore Sottsass Vase from the Rocchetti series. No. 1 of 20.  Signed

Ettore Sottsass Vase from the Rocchetti series. No. 1 of 20. Signed

By Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi

Located in Kansas City, MO

Very Rare Ettore Sottsass Vase from the Rocchetti series, Bitossi, Italy, 1957. Glazed Earthenware. Excellent condition. Glazed signature, date, and number to underside ‘E. Sottsa...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century, Ettore Sottsass Wooden Picture Frame for Il Sestante, 1960s
20th Century, Ettore Sottsass Wooden Picture Frame for Il Sestante, 1960s

20th Century, Ettore Sottsass Wooden Picture Frame for Il Sestante, 1960s

By Ettore Sottsass, Il Sestante

Located in Turin, Turin

Ettore Sottsass grew up in Turin, and graduated in architecture from the Turin Polytechnic in 1939. In 1947, he founded his own studio in Milan. In 1956, Sottsass moved to New York w...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

13 Malide Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

13 Malide Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The 13 Malide glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Malide Glass” collection. Made in Murano glass, and signed on the base “E.Sottsa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Tigris Porcelain Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

Tigris Porcelain Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The "Tigris" porcelain vase, comprised of stacked, spouted and coiled forms covered in powder blue, white and black glazes, Memphis Milano collection. The Tigris Vase was originally ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pink Glazed Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass 20th Century Spanish
Pink Glazed Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass 20th Century Spanish

Pink Glazed Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass 20th Century Spanish

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Barcelona, ES

The Shiva vase is sculpture and vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon. Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

1st Edition 'Shiva' Vase by Ettore Sottsass for B.D Barcelona, Spain, c.1973
1st Edition 'Shiva' Vase by Ettore Sottsass for B.D Barcelona, Spain, c.1973

1st Edition 'Shiva' Vase by Ettore Sottsass for B.D Barcelona, Spain, c.1973

By Ettore Sottsass, BD Barcelona Design

Located in London, GB

Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1973, the Shiva vase is a striking and sculptural piece that captures his bold approach to form and colour. Its clean lines and stacked form give it a ...

Category

1970s Spanish Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

11 Erinna Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

11 Erinna Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Erina vase is blown glass, originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in Murano, its hand blown with techniques from m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Diamante Doppio Vase by Ettore Sottsass
Diamante Doppio Vase by Ettore Sottsass

Diamante Doppio Vase by Ettore Sottsass

By Braganti, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milan, IT

Entirely made in silver, this vase is part of the diamante collection, designed for Del Conte by renowned architect Ettore Sottsass. The minimalist and sophisticated shape of this pi...

Category

2010s Italian Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass
Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass

Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, BD Barcelona Design

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Shiva flower vase by Ettore Sottsass was designed in 1973 following the inspiration garnered from his love for Catalan women w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase L by Ettore Sottsass
Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase L by Ettore Sottsass

Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase L by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Design Gallery Milano

Located in Barcelona, ES

Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase L by Ettore Sottsass, Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 3/12. ...

Category

1990s European Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase S by Ettore Sottsass
Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase S by Ettore Sottsass

Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase S by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Design Gallery Milano

Located in Barcelona, ES

Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase S by Ettore Sottsass, edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 10 / 1...

Category

1990s European Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Alaska Silver Plated Brass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

Alaska Silver Plated Brass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Alaska Silver Plated Brass Flower Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. The vase is also available in solid 925 sterling silve...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Silver Plate

Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983
Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983

Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Porcellane San Marco

Located in London, GB

For sale is a rare, early Post-Modern “TIGRIS” porcelain vase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano and produced by Porcellane San Marco in the 1980s. In 1983, Ettore Sotts...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Olivetti "Valentine" Typewriter by Ettore Sottsass
Olivetti "Valentine" Typewriter by Ettore Sottsass

Olivetti "Valentine" Typewriter by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Olivetti

Located in Vienna, AT

Famous portable typewriter by Sottsass for Olivetti, Italy from the 1960s. Totally functional with some wear. 3 pieces available.  

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The Amaltea Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Amaltea Glass” collection. Made in Murano. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis”. Signed on the base. Et...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

XXsec. Vase from the series YANTRA 17 Ettore Sottsass 1969
XXsec. Vase from the series YANTRA 17 Ettore Sottsass 1969

XXsec. Vase from the series YANTRA 17 Ettore Sottsass 1969

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Lastra a Signa, FI

In 1969 Ettore Sottsass He titles the series Yantra in reference to the Indian religious tradition that each yantra is unique, thus associated with a particular power or ritual. Cer...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Vase Model "Y29" by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy, 1969
Ceramic Vase Model "Y29" by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy, 1969

Ceramic Vase Model "Y29" by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, Italy, 1969

By Ettore Sottsass, Poltronova

Located in Milan, IT

Ceramic vase model "Y29" by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova. Cast-formed red glazed ceramic, it's part of the of the series "Yantra" collection.

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Bitossi Ceramiche Vaso Rocchetto by Ettore Sottsass
Bitossi Ceramiche Vaso Rocchetto by Ettore Sottsass

Bitossi Ceramiche Vaso Rocchetto by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi

Located in Toronto, ON

Designed by Ettore Sottsass for Bitossi in 1958, this cylindrical vase from his black-and-white collection wears a façade of squares and grids, a stark geometry that feels equal part...

Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

"Y26" box, "Yantra" series, Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre, 1969
"Y26" box, "Yantra" series, Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre, 1969

"Y26" box, "Yantra" series, Ettore Sottsass for Design Centre, 1969

By Ettore Sottsass, Design Centre

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Periwinkle-colored ceramic box from the "Yantra" series, model "Y26," designed in 1969 by Ettore Sottsass and distributed by Design Centre. Italy, 1969. The base bears the signature...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase G
Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase G

Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase G

By Design Gallery Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Barcelona, ES

Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese Artificial flower vase G by Ettore Sottsass, edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 3 / 12. ...

Category

1990s European Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Ettore Sottsass Vase Alpha, Limited Edition of 12, Wood, 1995, Italy
Ettore Sottsass Vase Alpha, Limited Edition of 12, Wood, 1995, Italy

Ettore Sottsass Vase Alpha, Limited Edition of 12, Wood, 1995, Italy

By Design Gallery Milano, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Barcelona, ES

Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase alpha by Ettore Sottsass, edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 7 /...

Category

1990s European Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Ceramic vase Memphis, “HSING” by Ettore Sottsass yellow star, Milan late 1980s.
Ceramic vase Memphis, “HSING” by Ettore Sottsass yellow star, Milan late 1980s.

Ceramic vase Memphis, “HSING” by Ettore Sottsass yellow star, Milan late 1980s.

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milan, IT

Memphis Milano painted ceramic vase, “HSING”by Ettore Sottsass, yellow star-shaped color. Alessio Sarri ceramiche. Memphis Group, an Italian design and architecture collective founde...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, Glazed Ceramic, Spanish, XXth
Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, Glazed Ceramic, Spanish, XXth

Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, Glazed Ceramic, Spanish, XXth

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Barcelona, ES

The Shiva vase is sculpture and vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon. Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ettore Sottsass 'Caravanserraglio' Centerpiece, Studio Alchimia
Ettore Sottsass 'Caravanserraglio' Centerpiece, Studio Alchimia

Ettore Sottsass 'Caravanserraglio' Centerpiece, Studio Alchimia

By Studio Alchimia, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Krefeld, DE

A rare 'Caravanserraglio' centrepiece designed by Ettore Sottsass for Studio Alchimia, Milan, circa 1979. Conceived as part of Alchimia’s experimental Bauhaus series, this sculptural...

Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Vase, Pink Glazed, Ceramic, Spanish, 20th Century
Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Vase, Pink Glazed, Ceramic, Spanish, 20th Century

Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Vase, Pink Glazed, Ceramic, Spanish, 20th Century

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Barcelona, ES

The Shiva vase is sculpture and vase. It is a symbol of Ettore Sottsass and an icon. Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Venini Marito E Moglie Vase in Glass and Marble by Ettore Sottsass

Venini Marito E Moglie Vase in Glass and Marble by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass, Venini

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Venini Marito E Moglie vase in tea/black/milk-white with marble base by Ettore Sottsass. Limited edition 99 art pieces. Composition of portoro-marble base and blown glasses finished ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Square table model "Mettsass" by Ettore Sottsass red glass, 20th century design
Square table model "Mettsass" by Ettore Sottsass red glass, 20th century design

Square table model "Mettsass" by Ettore Sottsass red glass, 20th century design

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Barcelona, ES

One of Sottsass first designs for BD, the "Mettsass" has lost none of the personality with which Sottsass designed it for BD some 40 years ago, in 1972. The structure is made of flat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

"Hsing" Vase Designed by Ettore Sottsass
"Hsing" Vase Designed by Ettore Sottsass

"Hsing" Vase Designed by Ettore Sottsass

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in New York, NY

'Hsing' vase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Alessio Sarri , Sesto Fiorentino. White glazed ceramic. Marked: E. Sottsass, A. SARRI.

Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass, Pink, Glazed Ceramic, Spanish, XXth
Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass, Pink, Glazed Ceramic, Spanish, XXth

Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass, Pink, Glazed Ceramic, Spanish, XXth

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Barcelona, ES

Sottsass designed the Shiva Vase when travelling to Barcelona for love in 1973. He encountered many cultures, religious symbolism, and inspiration on his travels. The smooth, curving...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ettore Sottsass Vase Ceramic 1958 Italy
Ettore Sottsass Vase Ceramic 1958 Italy

Ettore Sottsass Vase Ceramic 1958 Italy

By Ettore Sottsass

Located in Milano, IT

Ettore Sottsass.

Category

1950s Italian Other Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ettore Sottsass Y15 Vase in Black Enameled Ceramic Yantra Series Poltronova 70s
Ettore Sottsass Y15 Vase in Black Enameled Ceramic Yantra Series Poltronova 70s

Ettore Sottsass Y15 Vase in Black Enameled Ceramic Yantra Series Poltronova 70s

By Poltronova, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Cascina, Pisa

This ceramic piece is part of the Yantra series by Ettore Sottsass, a collection of thirty-nine forms including containers, ashtrays, vases and bowls, created between 1969 and 1973 a...

Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ettore Sottsass decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Ettore Sottsass decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ettore Sottsass decorative objects, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 95 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 67 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original decorative objects 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 decorative objects by Fulvio Bianconi, Alessandro Mendini, and Paolo Venini. Prices for Ettore Sottsass decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $201 and can go as high as $75,474, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,337.
Questions About Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Ettore 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Ettore 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Ettore 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Ettore 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, 2022
    To 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Ettore 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Ettore 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, 2024
    Ettore 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, 2022
    Ettore 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, 2022
    Ettore 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    The 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.