Ettore Sottsass, Jr. - Design New York Tuesday, December 17, 2013 | Phillips

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  • Provenance

    Acquired directly from the artist, 1985

  • Literature

    Hans Höger, Ettore Sottsass, jun., Berlin, 1993, p. 169, fig 38
    Fulvio Ferrari, Ettore Sottsass: Tutta La Ceramica, Turin, 1996, p. 139, fig. 626

  • Catalogue Essay

    Sottsass conceived the design for the “Menta” totem in 1967 but did
    not produce it until the mid-1980s, when Sergio Cammilli included it in
    the “Mirabili” collection. The collection was produced by Bitossi, a frm
    Sottsass had worked with since the early 1960s. The design for “Menta”
    is contemporary to totems he showed at Sperone Gallery, Milan in 1967
    at an exhibition titled “Menhir, Ziggurat, Stupas, Hydrants and Gas
    Pumps.” The present lot is the frst artist’s proof for the edition of 20
    produced by Bitossi and distributed by Mirabili. Unlike later examples
    in the edition it was signed by Sottsass and does not include a Bitossiproduced
    laminated plinth.

PROPERTY FROM A FLORIDA COLLECTION

328

“Menta” totem

circa 1985
Glazed earthenware.
67 1/2 in. (171.5 cm) high (ceramic only)
14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm) diameter

Produced by Bitossi, Italy. First artist's proof from the edition of 20. Interior of one component inscribed in black marker SOTTSASS/FLAVIA Montelupo, a second component inscribed in pen and pencil with PRIMO/PA/ES/Ettore Sottsass and with sticker printed le ceramiche di/BITOSSI. Together with later painted wood plinth.

Estimate
$20,000 - 30,000 

Sold for $25,000

Contact Specialist
Meaghan Roddy
Head of Sale, New York
mroddy@phillips.com
+ 1 212 940 1266

Design

New York 17 December 2013 2pm