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.
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Creator: Ettore Sottsass
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
Ettore Sottsass Umbrella Stand Anodized Aluminum, 1955, Italy
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milano, IT
Ettore Sottsass umbrella stand anodized aluminum 1955 Italy.
Category
1950s Italian Other Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Alcor Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alcor Glass Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis. Signed on the base.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Ettore Sottsass Shiva Limited Edition Black 74/100
By BD Barcelona Design, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Black 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 100 units.
This...
Category
1970s Spanish Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Ettore Sottsass, Shiva Vase, Bright Blue, Glazed Ceramic, Spain, XXth
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Shiva vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass when he was travelling to Barcelona for love in 1971. It captures the essence and cultural vision of the bold and provocative Radical D...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
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....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Ettore Sottsass Pink Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, by BD Barcelona
By BD Barcelona Design, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shiva ceramic flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona.
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use preserving a bea...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
30 Pasifila Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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
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, Shiva Vase, Bright Blue, Glazed Ceramic, Spain, Contemporary
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, ES
The Shiva vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass when he was travelling to Barcelona for love in 1971. It captures the essence and cultural vision of the bold and provocative Radical D...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Centerpiece Mod. Azzurro 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.
Th...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Ettore Sottsass Pink Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, by BD Barcelona
By BD Barcelona Design, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shiva ceramic flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona.
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use preserving a b...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
13 Malide Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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
Ettore Sottsass Candelstick / Candle Holder, Silver Plate for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is one icon of Post Modern design by the well known architect Ettore Sottsass.
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl was designed for Memphis in 1983 by Ettore Sottsass. This bowl features a tapering cylindrical shape with three green handles, with the side decorated ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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
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
Ettore Sottsass Y Limited Edition Vase in Wood and Murano Glass for Flowers
By Ettore Sottsass, Design Gallery Milano
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Y Vase made for the collection of Twenty-seven Woods for Chinese Artificial flowers vase by Ettore Sottsass,
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 numbered p...
Category
1990s European Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Agelada Glass Vase with pendant was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase A
By Design Gallery Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
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.
This piece has also been produced as a limited edition with a total of only 12 units.
In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
In 2005, two years before Sottsass’ death, a gold prototype was made and was an award for an international competition for students of design. This is the very same one that Sottsass holds in his portrait.
Ettore Sottsass (14 September 1917-31 December 2007) was an Italian architect and designer of the late 20th century. His body of designs included furniture, jewelry, glass, lighting and office machine design. Sottsass was born on 14 September 1917 in Innsbruck, Austria, and grew up in Milan, where his father was an architect. In 1956, Ettore Sottsass began working as a design consultant for Olivetti, designing office equipment...
Category
1990s European Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase P by Ettore Sottsass
By Design Gallery Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
From the collection of twenty-seven woods for Chinese artificial flowers, vase P by Ettore Sottsass,
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numer...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Chrome
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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Pair of Silver Plate & Brass Candlesticks by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell
By Memphis Group, Swid Powell, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A thoroughly modern pair of candlesticks, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Swid Powell, in the signature asymmetrical Memphis style. Sta...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Memphis Group Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Ettore Sottsass Pink Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, by BD Barcelona
By BD Barcelona Design, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shiva ceramic flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona.
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use preserving a b...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Centerpiece Mod. Celeste 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.
Th...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
20th Century Ettore Sottsass RSVP Centerpiece Mod. Indigo in Colored Glass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Turin, Turin
Beatiful 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.
Th...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Ettore Sottsass I Limited Edition Vase in Wood and Murano Glass for Flowers
By Design Gallery Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
I vase made for the collection of twenty-seven woods for Chinese artificial flowers vase by Ettore Sottsass,
Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 numbered...
Category
1990s European Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Light Blue Glazed Flower "SHIVA" Vase by Ettore Sottsass, spanish design
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, ES
Capsule Global pays homage to the same boundary-pushing and experimental movement, and collaborates with BD for a special edition of the Shiva. The clean symmetry and bright colour p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Senape Flower Vase Ettore Sottsass Japanese Urushi Laquer Model B
By Ettore Sottsass, Marutomi
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Senape flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Marutomi. This model is limited Japanese urushi lacquer model.
Japanese traditional ur...
Category
Early 2000s Japanese Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
"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
...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
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
Ettore Sottsass Vases from 27 Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two large vases by Ettore Sottsass from 27 woods for a Chinese Artificial flower. Edition S (red) is SOLD. Each from the edition of 12. From...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Ettore Sottsass for Rinnovel Mela Decorative Object
By Ettore Sottsass, Rinnovel
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A rare and iconic collectible from the pioneering Italian designer Ettore Sottsass, this sculptural object—titled “Mela”(Italian for "apple")—epitomizes the playful modernism that de...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Chrome
Ettore Sottsass Vase from Stepped Series in Enameled Ceramic by Bitossi 1990s
By Bitossi, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Montecatini Terme, IT
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...
Category
1960s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
21st Century Puzzle Glass Vase in Coral / Grey by Ettore Sottsass
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
Located in murano, IT
Architecture turns into design. Magnificence turns into elegance. Coral meets Aquamarine, then it blends into Grey. This glass creation by Ettore Sottsass has a soul and a strong cha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
21st Century Marito E Moglie Vase in Black/Milk-White/Tea by Ettore Sottsass
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
Located in murano, IT
They lie blissfully on their solid marble base. They might feel fragile at times and life may try to separate them, but they will always find stability in their deep connection. Mari...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
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...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Stoneware
Ettore Sottsass - Fontana arte 2666
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Naples, FL
Made by Fontana Arte, Milan. Glass, blue and dark blue.
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Plastic
Small Ceramic Vase by Ettore Sottsass for Bitossi, 1959
By Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A small ceramic vase or bottle with green and purple pinstripe glaze designed by Ettore Sottsass for Bitossi. Aquired from the Miami estate...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
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.
Creators Similar to Ettore Sottsass
Questions About Ettore Sottsass Decorative Objects
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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Ettore Sottsass Chairs
Ettore Sottsass Collectibles and Curiosities
Ettore Sottsass Table Lamps
Ettore Sottsass Stools