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.
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Shiva Flower Vase, Pink, by Ettore Sottsass, Glazed Ceramic, 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
Mettsass Table, by Ettore Sottsass, Red Glass
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
Macchina da scrivere Valentine rossa - Ettore Sottsass - Olivetti - 1968
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milano, MI
Macchina da scrivere Valentine rossa Descrizione Macchina da scrivere Valentine disegnata da Ettore Sottsass per Olivetti nel 1968 e prodotta ad Ivrea. Qui presentato il primo modell...
Iron
Ettore Sottsass Shiva Pink Ceramic Flower Vase, BD Barcelona Design
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 ...
Ceramic
Ettore Sottsass Shiva Ceramic Flower Vase, Pink, BD Barcelona
By Ettore Sottsass, BD Barcelona Design
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...
Ceramic
Midcentury Typewriter / Zeta, 1950s.
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of metal, steel, plastic The packaging of the machine has surface defects that are associated with the age of use,cannot be locked,there is no key. Re-...
Metal, Steel
Mid-century Typewriter Consul, 1960's Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia in the 1960's by Consul. Made of metal, plastic, chrome. With aged patina Fully functional, re-polished, in original condition with signs of wear.
Metal, Chrome
Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass
By BD Barcelona Design, Ettore Sottsass
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
$1,672
H 9.06 in W 6.7 in D 2.76 in
Ettore Sottsass Shiva Black Ceramic Vase, Limited Edition Prototype
By Ettore Sottsass, BD Barcelona Design
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...
Ceramic
"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
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
"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. Green glazed ceramic.
Ceramic
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...
Glass
Mid-century Typewriter Olivetti Studio 42, 1946 Italy
By Olivetti
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Italy in the 1940's by Olivetti. Made of plastic, chrome. Fully functional, re-polished, in original condition with signs of wear.
Chrome
"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
Sold
H 9.06 in W 6.7 in D 2.76 in
Pink Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass, 20th Century, Glazed Ceramic, 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
Sold
H 3.55 in W 13.39 in D 12.6 in
Red ABS Plastic Valentine Typewriter Ettore Sottsass Olivetti Mid-Century Italy
By Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass, Perry King
Located in Lisboa, PT
The Olivetti Valentine typewriter, designed by Ettore Sottsass and Perry King and launched in 1969, is one of the most iconic industrial design pieces of the 20th century. Bold, port...
Plastic
Sold
H 4.53 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in
Italian red typewriter Valentine by Ettore Sottsass Perry King Olivetti, 1970s
By Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern typewriter Valentine by Ettore Sottsass and Perry A. King for Olivetti, 1970s Iconic typewriter model Valentine with rectangular base and rounded corners, in bright re...
Metal
Olivetti Typewriter Vintage Model "Valentine" 1969 Pop Art Icoon
By Giorgio Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Antwerp, BE
The Olivetti Valetine is an icon for its expressive design and practical usability portable, manual typewriter known for its typical red ABS plastic housing and matching red case. Th...
Metal
Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter Italy 1960s
By Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter Italy 1960s The Olivetti Valentine typewriter, designed by the renowned Ettore Sottsass...
Metal
Sold
H 9.06 in W 6.7 in D 2.76 in
Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, Pink Glazed, by Ettore Sottsass, 20th, 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
Black Synthesis Letter Tray by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti
By Ettore Sottsass, Olivetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An early 1970s design by Italian master Ettore Sottsass, the Synthesis line of office organizing pieces was produced by Olivetti, the famed typewriter and product company from Italy....
Plastic
Sold
H 2.5 in W 4 in D 8 in
Enorme Telephone Handset designed by Ettore Sottsass for Brondi, Italy 1986
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milano, IT
Enorme Telephone Handset designed by Ettore Sottsass for Brondi, Italy 1986 This telephone handset, a quintessential example of postmodern design, st...
Plastic
Sold
H 4.73 in W 13.78 in D 14.18 in
Italian modern Red Typewriter Valentine by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti, 1970s
By Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Red Typewriter Valentine by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti, 1970s Iconic and vintage typewriter mod. Valentine with a rectangular base and rounded corners in bright red...
Metal
Sold
H 15.75 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Olivetti Synthesis Ettore Sottsass Paper Basket - 1970s Industrial Design Icon
By Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Step into the world of iconic Italian design with this melamine paper basket from the renowned Olivetti Synthesis Sottsass 45 Series, designed in 1973 by Ettore Sottsass and manufact...
Plastic
Ettore Sottsass 1970s Melamine Office Set Olivetti Synthesis 45
By Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Amazing office set from the iconic Synthesis 45 series, designed in the 1973 by Ettore Sottsass and manufactured by Olivetti. The story of Olivetti Synthesis goes back to the golden ...
Plastic
Sold
H 4.34 in W 14.18 in D 13.39 in
Valentine Typewriter by Ettore Sottsass produced by Olivetti, Italy ca. 1960s
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Geneva, CH
Vintage iconic Valentine typewriter designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Olivetti, Italy ca. 1960s Very good working condition.
Steel