Ettore Sottsass, Jr. - Design London Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | Phillips

Design

London Auction 13 November 2024

  • Provenance

    Letizia Ponti, Milan, gifted directly by the artist, 1957
    Acquired from the above by the present owner

  • Literature

    Fernanda Pivano, 'Ettore Sottsass: Ceramiche dal 1955 al 1970', Domus, no. 749, May 1993, p. 69 for similar examples
    Fulvio Ferrari, Ettore Sottsass: Tutta la Ceramica, Turin, 1996, p. 46 for similar examples
    Fulvio Ferrari, Sottsass: 1000 Ceramics, Turin, 2017, p. 34 for similar examples

  • Catalogue Essay

    Created as a celebratory and personal gift, the present lot was made specially by Ettore Sottsass for Mrs. Letizia Ponti, daughter of the Italian architect Gio Ponti, on the occasion of her wedding to Giorgio Frailich in 1957. Sottsass was a close family friend, with the 'Ponti girls' among the only persons permitted to call him 'Ettorino', as a term of affectionate endearment. Growing up in a household filled with artists, architects and designers had a profound influence on Letizia. As she recalled in an interview, "It was fascinating, but at the same time absolutely normal. It was normal that there were people like Munari and Campigli, artists and painters [in our home]." The five vases serve as a tangible reminder of the enduring friendship between the family and the artist and the rich cultural heritage they shared.

    Letizia (nicknamed Tita throughout her life), multilingual and fond of international travel, served as a global ambassador for the work of the elder Ponti, who rarely travelled. Aeroplane commutes between New York, Europe and Venezuela instilled in her a passion for aviation and an interest in becoming a pilot. It was during flight school that she met her future husband, Frailich, an engineer and instructor. From this chance meeting, a love was born that led to a happy marriage which flourished for over fifty years. The present lot represents a rare and personal work to be cherished as a lasting symbol of both devotion and friendship.

136

Ettore Sottsass, Jr.

Rare set of five vases

1957
Glazed earthenware.
Tallest: 37.1 cm (14 5/8 in.) high
Underside of two signed SOTTSASS/57 and underside of three signed SOT/57.

Estimate
£20,000 - 30,000 ‡

Sold for £25,400

Contact Specialist

Antonia King
Head of Sale, Design
+44 20 7901 7944
Antonia.King@phillips.com
 

Design

London Auction 13 November 2024