Designer: Ettore Sottsass (1917 – 2007)

Item: Silvershade Candlestick

Manufactured by: Cleto Munari for Swid Powell

Country of origin: Italy

Year made: Ca. 1985

Materials: Silverplate over brass

Dimensions: 12 ½” x 3 ¾” x 3”

Description: This is an important and classic Memphis inspired design by the founder of the Memphis design group collective. Sottsass’ work for Swid Powell was the first time he designed for an American company. He designed three different model candlesticks for them, but this is by far the most popular and collectable of that group. It is a very heavy and substantial item. Based on our marketplace research it appears that this candlestick is second only to Richard Meier’s King Richard candlestick in popularity and collectability for Swid Powell candlesticks. These were expensive when they were new, and they held and then increased in value, even more so than Meier’s. We have seen dealers asking $1,800 for a single on other Internet sites. Examples can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Yale University Art Gallery where it is on permanent display, and other public collections.

Condition: Very good used condition, with some noticeable polishing marks and a few very minor dings which can be seen in the photos. The bottom felt was replaced.

References: Tapert, Annette. SWID POWELL: Objects by Architects, Rizzoli, 1990