Vintage Castello vase in silver metal by Alessandro Mendini for Cleto Munari, 2014

This silver-plated "Castello" centerpiece vase, designed by Alessandro Mendini for Cleto Munari, was originally conceived in 1979. In 2014, Cleto Munari decided to reissue it with a very limited collection of 9 pieces, of which this is the only artist's proof. A geometric and radically angular Mendini interpretation of an Italian castle. In harmony with the artistic DNA of Cleto Munari, creator of unique Italian objects, and reflecting the distinctive conceptual vision of design maestro Alessandro Mendini, this vase proves to be a work of art in its own right. A certificate of artist's proof by Cleto Munari will be presented to the buyer. Cleto Munari, an Italian designer and entrepreneur renowned for creating unique objects, collaborated with design maestro Alessandro Mendini from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. Their duo produced iconic pieces such as the "Proust" chair and the "Solis Silos" table lamp, combining Munari's fine craftsmanship with Mendini's avant-garde vision. This collaboration influenced the careers of both artists. Munari's craftsmanship reached new heights under Mendini's aegis, while Mendini's creations gained in refinement and artistry through Munari. Alessandro Mendini (1931-2019), nicknamed "il piccolo genio" (the little genius) and "il Maestro" (the master), was a celebrated Italian designer, architect and theorist. Co-founder of Studio Alchimia in the 1970s, he pushed back the boundaries of creativity, designing pieces such as the "Proust" armchair and the "Anna G" corkscrew, which blur the boundaries between art and functionality. Honored with awards such as the Compasso d'Oro (1979) and the Royal Designer for Industry (1987), Mendini's visionary legacy continues to inspire designers the world over. Reference : 309637