Sergio Mazza for Artemide Italian Space Age Bacco Bar Cart

About the Item

The “Bacco” bar cart, designed by Sergio Mazza for Artemide in the late 1960s, is a space-age masterpiece of Italian design—playful, sculptural, and wholly functional. Cast from molded ABS plastic, the cube-shaped piece stands at a compact yet impactful height of 42 cm (16.5 inches), with a square footprint of 61 × 61 cm (24 × 24 inches). Though modest in scale, it delivers generous functionality and striking presence. Set on four wheels, the Bacco transitions effortlessly from lounge to terrace, equally at home beside a vintage stereo cabinet or a mid-century poolside vignette. Visually, the Bacco is emblematic of futuristic 1960s Italian design: bold, minimal, and clever in construction. Six circular bottle compartments surround a central recessed well that serves as an ice bucket or planter. A removable round glass top rests above, serving both as a surface and a transparent window into the interior architecture of the cart. On the underside, the original maker’s mark—Sergio Mazza, Artemide Milano, patent number, and “Made in Italy”—confirms its authenticity and collectible pedigree. The Bacco is a rare survivor of the golden age of Pop Modern design—its form equal parts sculpture and utility. Perfect for collectors of postwar Italian design or anyone looking to make a bold yet functional statement, this piece is not simply a bar—it’s a conversation in motion. A sculptural utility object that transcends trends, delivering equal parts elegance, charm, and historical significance. Condition: Some light wear on the body including some areas of faint stains. The glass as some chips. One corner of the bottom panel is pushed up, into the cabinet. This causes the bar to sit at a tilt and effects rolling. Glass top has some scratches

Creator:
Artemide (Maker),Sergio Mazza (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Glass,Plastic,Molded
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1970's
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Some light wear on the body including some areas of faint stains. The glass as some chips. One corner of the bottom panel is pushed up, into the cabinet. This causes the bar to sit at a tilt and effects rolling. Glass top has some scratches.
Seller Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2255346116802

Shop All Artemide

Artemide

Artemide is an iconic firm in the design world. The mid-century Italian company is one of the best known lighting manufacturers and its award-winning fixtures are held in museum collections everywhere. Vintage Artemide table lamps, pendants, ceiling lamps and other lighting represent a thoughtful merge between functionalism and eye-catching design.

Artemide, which is based in Pregnana, was founded by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza in 1959. During that year, Mazza created the first table lamp for the manufacturer — a modernist work in glass, marble and metal that he called the Alfa. Gismondi, who studied aeronautical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan and missile engineering at Rome’s Professional School of Engineering, applied his knowledge of cutting edge technology and materials such as fiberglass resin to Artemide’s designs for lighting and furniture.

In 1967, Artemide won Italy’s Compasso d'Oro design award for its Eclisse table lamp, which was designed by Vico Magistretti two years earlier. Other award-winning fixtures include the Tizio table lamp designed by Richard Sapper and the Tolomeo table lamp.

Designed by Michele de Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina, the Tolomeo featured the patented George Carwardine mechanism used in the original Anglepoise lamp. De Lucchi would later be recruited to join visionary postmodern design collective the Memphis Group. Artemide’s Gismondi purchased the brand after founder Ettore Sottsass dismantled the collective in 1988, and it was bought by Alberto Bianchi Albrici in 1996.

Artemide’s list of design, innovation, sustainability and other industry awards is long and distinguished. The firm continues to actively collaborate with internationally revered designers and seek out new talent through workshops with design schools. The company’s deeply held values — energy-saving lighting, sustainable design and ethically sourced materials — characterize its current offerings, and Artemide furniture and lighting can be found in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and other institutions.

On 1stDibs, find Artemide tables, seating, floor lamps, chandeliers and more.