Ettore Sottsass

Acquired from Barry Friedman Ltd., New York, by the present owner, 2004

"Ettore Sottsass Jr:  Katalogo Mobili 1966," Domus, April 1967, pp. 39-45
Emilio Ambasz, ed., Italy:  The New Domestic Landscape, New York, 1972, pp. 104-105 (for related examples)
Gilles de Bure, Ettore Sottsass Jr., Paris, 1987, p. 40 (for related "Superbox" prototypes executed in 1968)
Hans Höger, Ettore Sottsass jun.:  Designer Artist Architect, Tübingen, Germany, 1993, p. 88  (for early drawings of the Superbox series) and 89 (for related "Superbox" prototypes)
Barbara Radice, Ettore Sottsass, Milan, 1993, pp. 120-121 (for early drawings of the Superbox series), 123-125 (for "Superbox" prototypes executed in 1966) 
Anne Bony, Furniture & Interiors of the 1960s, Paris, 2004, p. 188 (for a related "Superbox" prototype)

Overall in excellent condition. The exterior of the Superbox in impeccable original condition. The door of the Superbox with some minor evidence of warping, and as a result does not close tightly. It is minor, but there is some minor space when the door is closes at the top and bottom. This is visible upon close inspection of the catalogue illustration. The interior is white in tone, and fitted with a single hanging rod to the top portion of the case. For a collector of works of the this period, this Superbox presents a rare opportunity to acquire a prototype from a series rare to appear at auction.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Throughout his lengthy career, Ettore Sottsass, sought to expand boundaries and confront viewer's perspectives through multiple mediums.  The "Superbox" series exemplified that challenge to convention.  The "Superbox", conceived in 1966, were a number of prototype wardrobes executed in bold geometric patterns in soaring scale and distinct contrast to the exhibition spaces in which they were displayed.  Sottsass placed in the room a work intended to be confronted in a room, placed in its center, raised on a separate base like a sculpture, and executed in the round.  Other furniture was relegated to the side of the room, where it only complemented the central bold "Superbox".  Function is also concealed without visible hardware or disturbance to the bold patterning, and the interiors are only loosely organized leaving endless possibility within the interior.  By removing the traditional placement and function from the experience, Sottsass put forth a new definition and purpose of a conventional closet.

Sottsass exhibited a number of "Superbox" forms, each a unique work produced by Poltronova.  The "Superbox" was never put into larger production, and therefore this series remains only in exceedingly rare prototypes.