The Memphis collective flourished in the succeeding years, releasing a new series annually, and launching exhibitions locally and internationally. Sottsass, however, gradually cut ties with the group as its direction turned increasingly commercial. The group subsequently disbanded in 1988. Sottsass then devoted himself to travelling and publishing articles and essays about architecture and design. He continued to design furniture with massive bodies, beams, and blocks, utilizing rather subdued colors, such as “Cabinet No. 71” (2006).

Ettore Sottsass, Cabinet No. 71, 2006 (design/produce), 2006 (produced by Gallery Mourmans) © Erede Ettore Sottsass

Left: Ettore Sottsass, Vase no. 4, 2006 (design/produce), Gallery Mourmans; Gino Cenedese e Figlio; Van Tetterode Glass Studio / Right: Ettore Sottsass, Vase no. 10, 2006 (design/produce), Gallery Mourmans; Gino Cenedese e Figlio; Van Tetterode Glass Studio © Erede Ettore Sottsass

Installation view, Colored vases by Ettore Sottsass © Erede Ettore Sottsass, Photo: Alma Reyes

Towards the latter years of his career, he worked on glass pieces that varied in size, shape, color, and material, composed of aluminum pipes, wire, or ropes. A large table presents eighteen decorative pieces that incorporate the skills of different artisans. Some mirror test tubes and huge candle holders with dangling elements, each serving as a unique testament to spontaneous art as an adventure.

Ettore Sottsass: Design begins where magic begins
Date: June 23rd − October 4th, 2026
Opening Hours: 10:00 − 18:00 (Fridays until 20:00)
Closed on Mondays (except September 21st), September 24th
Place: Artizon Museum
Address: 1-7-2 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 (0)47 316 2772 (Hello Dial)
https://www.artizon.museum