"FREEMONT" cabinet by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, 1985 (First Edition)

Created in the early 1980s by Ettore Sottsass for the Memphis Group, the Freemont cabinet embodies the bold aesthetic of the Memphis movement. Its lacquered wood structure is clad in a decorative laminate with graphic contrasts, enhanced by gold leaf applied to the upper section. Inspired by the architecture of Japanese temples discovered during Sottsass's numerous travels in Asia, this piece plays with geometric volumes, clean lines, and cultural references.

The front opens to reveal a storage space composed of interior shelves, while the entire piece rests on five cylindrical legs that accentuate its sculptural appearance. An iconic piece of Italian postmodern design, this model perfectly illustrates the formal freedom and almost architectural dimension of Sottsass's work.

A major figure in 20th-century design, Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007) profoundly influenced the history of contemporary furniture. An Italian architect and designer, he collaborated with Olivetti before founding the Memphis Group in 1980, revolutionizing modernist design with colorful, expressive, and unconventional creations. His work, now exhibited in major international museums, blends artistic, artisanal, and spiritual influences gleaned from his travels.

First edition. Editor's plaque visible (see last photo). The piece is in excellent overall condition, with some marks and a patina that contribute to the character and authenticity of this iconic item.