Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Alioth 1983 Signed Glass Sculpture Postmodern

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A handblown glass sculpture titled "Alioth (1983)" by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano. Etched signature "E. Sottsass per Memphis" on … Read more A handblown glass sculpture titled "Alioth (1983)" by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano. Etched signature "E. Sottsass per Memphis" on the base. Handcrafted in Murano, Italy. This striking work exemplifies Sottsass's visionary approach to form and color - featuring stacked geometric elements in vibrant green, blue, and yellow glass with applied teardrop motifs and spiral detailing. This piece embodies the playful yet architectural aesthetic that defined the Memphis movement of the 1980s. An outstanding example of postmodern design, "Alioth" merges sculptural artistry with conceptual experimentation, highlighting Sottsass's enduring influence as a designer, architect, and cultural icon of the 20th century. Provenance: From a substantial Ettore Sottsass collection in Franklin, Michigan; acquired circa 1990s. Dimensions: 18.75"h x 7"w x 7"d. In very good vintage condition. Full condition reports available upon request.

Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) was an influential Italian architect and designer, best known as the founder of the Memphis Group, which revolutionized postmodern design in the 1980s with its bold colors and geometric forms. Early in his career, he worked for Olivetti, designing the iconic Valentine typewriter. His work spans furniture, ceramics, glass, and architecture, blending functionality with playful aesthetics. Sottsass's designs are in the permanent collections of major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. He has been featured in solo exhibitions at the Design Museum London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Among his honors are the Compasso d'Oro award and the Austrian State Prize for Industrial Design. See less