Art as furniture: the wonderful ‚Liana‘ bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Meccani Arredamenti, built in a very limited edition of ten pieces. It feels like ‚Memphis‘ – but with a more luxurious twist. And it has an interesting story to tell: Ettore Sottsass is known for his large oeuvre and especially for his design for Olivetti. In 1981 he founded the famous ‚Group Memphis‘. People worldwide instantly recognise this 80’s style, a fireworks of colours, patterns and materials.

„Postmodern“ was the term coined for the overarching trend – but it was more than that. It was a creative rebellion against „classic“ modernism, also half a century old at that time. Working against the well-known rules of aesthetics with the means of imagination. In the mid-eighties Ferdinando Meccani, with his family’s experience in carpentry, started a series of collaborations with leading Italian and international designers like Michael Graves, Masao Noguchi – and Ettore Sottsass.

A collaboration that influenced the designer’s approach. Inspired by the other works from Meccani and the craftsmanship available there, Sottsass decided to „upgrade“ his design with more precious materials than he usually worked with. The asymmetrical, sculptural ‚Liana‘ bookcase traces the design history of the late twentieth century. It’s a very rare object of amazing presence and impact, but it also radiates fun and joy for everyone who sees it – or decides to live with it. Will you?