Alessandro Mendini Vase for Studio Alchimia, 1988

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About the Item

Alessandro Mendini created this evocative vase for Studio Alchimia in 1988. Standing at a stately height akin to a column, the vase exhibits a series of wavy, sinuous contours that deliver an illusion of movement and fluidity. It is a piece that challenges the static nature of ceramic work, integrating dynamism into its very structure. The surface of the vase is embellished with a pattern of black and white architectural symbols, likely emblematic of the design dialogue within Studio Alchimia during that period. Each symbol contributes to a visual language that speaks to the foundational elements of architecture and design—form, function, and aesthetics—while also suggesting a narrative beyond the purely decorative. Distinctive and sophisticated, the vase encapsulates a period of design where experimentation and the questioning of traditional forms were paramount. The vase’s commanding presence and the harmony between its form and ornamentation make it a profound statement piece. It reflects the ethos of its time, yet it continues to resonate with contemporary interiors, embodying the timeless interplay between art, design, and the space it inhabits. Studio Alchimia was an influential design studio and movement in Italian design, particularly noted for its role in the postmodern and radical design movements of the 1970s and 1980s. Founded in 1976 by Alessandro Guerriero, the studio was a hub for avant-garde design and conceptual experimentation, and it played a crucial role in challenging and redefining the boundaries of traditional design. Studio Alchimia functioned more as a collective than a traditional design firm, with various designers and artists contributing to its projects. Some notable members and collaborators included Ettore Sottsass, Michele De Lucchi, and Alessandro Mendini. These designers were key figures in the broader Italian radical design movement, which sought to infuse design with cultural, social, and political dimensions. The work of Studio Alchimia was characterized by bold colors, unusual forms, and the use of non-traditional materials. Their designs often combined a playful, ironic approach with serious critique, questioning the modernist emphasis on functionality and mass production in design. Instead, Alchimia emphasized unique, handcrafted pieces that were as much works of art as functional objects. Studio Alchimia's influence can be seen in the later Memphis Group, founded by Ettore Sottsass, which further developed some of the ideas and aesthetics pioneered by Alchimia. The legacy of Studio Alchimia is significant in the context of postmodern design, as it helped to pave the way for more expressive, eclectic approaches in the design world.

Creator:
Studio Alchimia (Designer),Alessandro Mendini (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)Width: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)Depth: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)
Style:
Post-Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Ceramic
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
1980-1989
Date of Manufacture:
1988
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. A few flea bites and light scratches (see photos).
Seller Location:
Chicago, IL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5962238835402