Ettore Sottsass Ceramic Vase,
Geology 1 Vase,
Numbered 9/12,
AS Alessio Sarri Ceramiche.
(Ref: NY9423DH-cilk)
This vase, designed by Ettore Sottsass, the founder in the early 1980s of the Memphis Group, is from the Geology series- this design is known as Geology 1, and is number as number 9 of only twelve pieces made.
The vase consists of alternating black and white ceramic blocks of color in a square format.
Dimensions: 16 1/2 inches square x 8 3/4 inches high. (41.91cm x 22.23cm)
Marks: This work is number 9 from the edition of 12. Signed and numbered to underside: [Ettore Sottsass A. Sarri 9/12]. Signed with stamped manufacturer's mark to underside: [AS Alessio Sarri Ceramiche].
Reference: "Ettore Sottsass: And The Tower of Babel Was Also Made of Terracotta", Schöne, ppg. 134-135 illustrate forms from series Sottsass, King, Picchi, Sudjic, Zanot and Thome, ppg. 406-407 illustrates forms from this series.
For examples from the same series:
Ettore Sottsass, Architect and Designer, London, 2006, pp. 117 and 138-139
Ettore Sottsass – AUCH DER TURM VON BABEL WAR AUS GEBRANNTER ERDE, exhibition catalogue, Hetjens-Museum, Deustches Keramikmuseum, Düsseldorf, November 6, 2011 – February 26, 2012, pp. 134 and 135
Patrizia Ranzo, Ettore SOTTSASS, Milan, 2011, p. 31
Philippe Thomé, SOTTSASS, London, 2015, pp. 406 and 407
Ettore Sottsass (Italian, 1917–2007)
(https://www.artsy.net/artwork/ettore-sottsass-geology-vase-1)
An Italian architect and designer known for his large oeuvre including furniture, jewelry, glass, lighting, and office design, Ettore Sottsass was also the founder in the early 1980s of the Memphis Group. Drawing inspiration from such movements as Art Deco and Pop Art, Memphis produced and exhibited furniture and objects that were vibrant in color and futuristic in design. Sottsass’ own work was known for its variety, oftentimes incorporating playfulness through ornamentation and color. His Olivetti typewriter (1969), one of his most celebrated designs, made of bright red-orange plastic, was a Pop phenom in both its functionality and innovative design. His architecture and design career spanned many decades and styles.