Memphis - The Ivory 1985
Ivory is a sculptural side table designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1985 for the Memphis Milano design collective. It is a quintessential example of the Postmodern "Memphis" style, which rejected the "form follows function" mantra in favour of bold colours, clashing patterns, and whimsical shapes.
Design & Features
The piece is known for its tall, totem-like structure that references the "Ivory Tower" of Christian tradition as a symbol of purity, though Sottsass ironically disrupts this with vibrant, radical aesthetics.
Structure: A wooden base faced with decorative plastic laminate and natural wood veneers.
Surface: A circular tempered glass top.
Patterns: The pedestal features six distinct faces, each clad in a different pattern—including black-and-white geometric motifs and faux-wood laminates—meaning the table's appearance changes as it is rotated.
Dimensions: Approximately 100 cm (39.4 in) in height and 48 cm (18.9 in) in diameter.
Legacy
The Ivory table is part of permanent museum collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Authentic pieces are still manufactured by Memphis Milano and occasionally appear in high-end design auctions at Sotheby's or Wright.
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