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.
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...
Art Glass
VENINI vase Yemen multicolor Murano Glass, Signed 2014, Design by Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Venini
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 ...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,085 / item
Chalice Vase by Ettore Sottsass
By Bitossi, Ettore Sottsass
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...
Ceramic
Sirio Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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...
Glass
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...
Ceramic
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 ...
Laminate, Wood
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 ...
Metal
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...
Ceramic
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...
Ceramic
$4,701Sale Price|20% Off
Quadrotto Accademia Lagostina Memphis design ETTORE SOTTSASS 1980
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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...
Metal
30 Pasifila Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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 ...
Glass
Senape Flower Vase Ettore Sottsass Japanese Urushi Laquer Model A
By Ettore Sottsass, Marutomi
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Senape flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Marutomi. This model is limited Japanese urushi laquer model. Japanese traditional uru...
Plastic
20th Century, Ettore Sottsass for Mirabili EAD Totem
By Mirabili, 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...
Ceramic
Murmansk Silver Plated Brass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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...
Brass, Silver
14 Astidamia Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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 ...
Glass
21 Clesitera Glass Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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...
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...
Glass
“Luna” Blown glass vase resting on a marble base by Ettore Sottsass
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
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...
Marble
"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...
Ceramic
$297 / item
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...
Ceramic
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....
Glass
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...
Chrome
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...
Blown Glass
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...
Ceramic
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...
Ceramic
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.
Steel
20th Century, Ettore Sottsass Wooden Picture Frame for Il Sestante, 1960s
By Il Sestante, 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...
Glass, Wood
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...
Glass
Tigris Porcelain Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, 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 ...
Porcelain
11 Erinna Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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...
Blown Glass
"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.
Ceramic
$9,110 / item
Diamante Doppio Vase by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Braganti
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...
Silver
"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...
Ceramic
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...
Ceramic
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.
Ceramic
Alaska Silver Plated Brass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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...
Brass, Silver Plate
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...
Ceramic
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"...
Pottery
Contemporary Art Ceramic Totem Chocolate Piece Number 33/99 by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Mirabili
Located in Pistoia, IT
The message that Mirabili intends to portay involves well-known artist and designers, selected for their particular gifts and their poetic world, lending an innovative and sensitive ...
Ceramic, Wood
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...
Glass
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...
Ceramic
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...
Glass
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...
Ceramic
Midcentury Decorated Vase by Ettore Sottsass for Egizia, Italy, 1980
By Ettore Sottsass, Egizia
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.
Glass
Ettore Sottsass Vase Ceramic 1958 Italy
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milano, IT
Ettore Sottsass.
Ceramic
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...
Ceramic
Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983
By Porcellane San Marco, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Pair of Ettore Sottsass Silver Candlesticks for Swid Powell and Reed and Barton
By Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass, Reed & Barton
Located in Kansas City, MO
Striking pair of silver plated candlesticks designed by Ettore Sottsass and made by Swid Powell in collaboration with Reed and Barton, 1980s.
Silver
Venini Marito E Moglie Vase in Glass and Marble by Ettore Sottsass
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
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 ...
Blown Glass
Ettore Sottsass Vase from Stepped Series in Enameled Ceramic by Bitossi
By Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi
Located in Cascina, Pisa
A vase from the stepped series in hand-turned in white clay enameled with two-tone matt gray and light green glaze, manufactured in the 1990s by Bitossi and designed by Ettore Sottsa...
Ceramic
Vide poche or ashtray by Ettore Sottsass for Venini, 1990s
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Hand made murano glass ashtray or vide poche by designe Ettore Sottsass for Venini. The piece is signed underneath and we believe it to be limited to 97 pieces. 1990s - italy Good...
Murano Glass
Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, Glazed Ceramic, Spanish, 20th
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...
Ceramic
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Egizia Silver Blue Art Glass Bowl, 1990s
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Munich, DE
Beautiful and rare find Egizia art glass bowl, designed by Ettore Sottsass. This thick and heavy cobalt blue bowl is decorated with hand silk-screened...
Murano Glass
Ettore Sottsass Postmodern "Tigris" Porcelain Vase for Memphis Milano, 1983
By Porcellane San Marco, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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 Sott...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Ettore Sottsass Le Connessioni Vase from the Ruins Series by Bitossi Italy, 1992
By Bitossi, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Kansas City, MO
Le Connessioni vase from the Ruins series by Ettore and made by Bitossi for Design Gallery Milano, Italy, 1992. Glazed stoneware. Signed to underside 'Ettore Sottsass 1992 3/9 Bitoss...
Stoneware
"Sol" Fruit Bowl in Glass by Ettore Sottsass, 1982
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Skokie, IL
Ettore Sottsass "Sol" fruit bowl for Compagnia Vetraria Muranese for Memphis Italy, 1982 Additional Information: Materials: Glass Dimensions: 10 1/4" H × 12 1/2" W × 11 3/4" D ...
Glass
"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. Red glazed ceramic. Marked: E. Sottsass, A. SARRI.
Ceramic
$6,411Sale Price|27% Off
A Memphis Milano Alcor glass vase designed by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Oxford, GB
A Memphis Milano Alcor glass vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, made by Compagnia Vetraria Muranese, designed 1983, clear, green and opaque white glass swollen panels, applied with bl...
Glass
Ettore Sottsass 'Caravanserraglio' Centerpiece, Studio Alchimia
By Ettore Sottsass, Studio Alchimia
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...
Wood
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...
Ceramic