Name: Rare Otto Zapf 'Softline' Wall-Mounted Cabinets in Red and Black for Zapfdesign
Brand: Otto Zapf
Price: 8450 USD
Availability: InStock

Rare Otto Zapf 'Softline' Wall-Mounted Cabinets in Red and Black for Zapfdesign

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About the Item

Otto Zapf for Zapfdesign 'Softline' red and black cabinets, plastic, Germany, 1969 Set of three detachable 'Softline' wall cabinets in red and black designed by the German designer Otto Zapf. Zippers and press studs form the connections and allow a maximum in flexibility. Frames and plastic sheets coated with lacquer foil in off-white forn an interesting composition. With the choice of material in a bright color and the smooth lines Otto Zapf hit the zeitgeist of the late 1960s/early 1970s. ‘Softline’ resembles the characteristics of Pop Art and Space Age and follows the idea of modular living and working areas. Zapf uses an experimental material and combines it with an uncommon way of construction, marking himself as an avant-garde designer. The ‘Softline’ series is supposed to be installed on location. The modular elements can be easily detached and take minimum transport space. The avant-garde ‘Softline’ series by Otto Zapf was designed in 1969 and gained international attention when presented for the first time. The functional clothing in bright colors and smart closing mechanisms with press studs and zippers, gave Zapf the idea to create a series that reinterpreted his experience during a ski trip. Following the three principles of modularity, functionality and flexibility Zapf designed a revolutionary furnishing line consisting of a wall unit, shelf, room divider, table, lounge chair and a bed; produced by ZapfDesign. The soft borders of the furnishings derive from Zapf’s conclusion “Because I have never discovered sharp edges on any person, I no longer want to believe that the objects we surround ourselves with must have sharp edges.” The ‘Softline’ series is supposed to be installed on location. The modular elements can be easily detached and take minimum transport space. Zippers and press studs form the connections and allow a maximum in flexibility. Frames and plastic sheets coated with lacquer foil in red, white, yellow, green, black, or blue allow any kind of color composition. With the choice of material in a bright color palette and the smooth lines Otto Zapf hit the zeitgeist of the late 1960s/early 1970s. ‘Softline’ resembles the characteristics of Pop Art and Space Age and follows the idea of modular living and working areas. Zapf uses an experimental material and combines it with an uncommon way of construction, marking himself as an avant-garde designer. Otto Zapf (1931-2018) was born into a family of carpenters and cabinetmakers. His family had a carpentry business in Czechia in many generations. In 1945, Zapf’s family was forced to flee their home and business. They settle in Eschborn as expellees and in the mid 1950s Zapf’s father decides to open a workshop again. Zapf studied mathematics and physics at the University of Frankfurt. At the age of 25, Zapf joins a design collective together with graphic designer Günther Kieser and architect Rolf Schmidt, who encouraged Zapf to create his own designs. One year later (1957), Zapf began a collaboration with Dieter Rams who was employed at Braun at the time. From this time comes also the ‘RZ- design’ standing for Rams and Zapf. The ‘RZ’ was highlighting flexibility and individuality. In 1959, Zapf founded ‘Vitsoe + Zapf’ and marries his wife in the same year. Shortly afterwards, in 1967, Zapf leaves ‘Vitsoe + Zapf’ to open his own studio called ‘ZapfDesign’, a decision that helped Zapf to gain international recognition. Zapf, who died in 2018, was honored with a retrospective in 2020 in Eschborn, Germany. Please note that the measurements are per individual unit.

Creator:
Otto Zapf (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)Width: 33.27 in (84.5 cm)Depth: 13.19 in (33.5 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Metal,Plastic
Place of Origin:
Germany
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1960s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Every item Morentz offers is checked by our team of 30 craftsmen in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery requests can be done. We guarantee a very highquality standard, ask our design specialists for detailed information.
Seller Location:
Waalwijk, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: 501098731stDibs: LU933126735932