Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview AR previewAR preview Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Hand Made PaintingBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Face Vase

Alessandro Mendini's 'Face Vase' is a captivating ceramic sculpture reflecting his postmodern aesthetic and fascination with human representation. Created in 2002, it showcases a blue and red color scheme featuring two eyes, a nose, and a mouth—a deliberate homage to millennia of anthropomorphic art.

Explore the vibrant world of Alessandro Mendini (1931-2019), a pioneer of Italian Postmodern & Radical Design. Known for Proust Armchair, Alchimia collaborations, and challenging architectural designs. Discover his colorful, cultural fusion at WahooA

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Hand Made PaintingBuy Image Buy Image)

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (21 August)

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 81

reproduction

Face Vase

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 81

Quick Facts

  • Location: Seoul Museum of Art
  • Artistic style: Cultural Fusion
  • Year: 2002
  • Subject or theme: Anthropomorphic Objects
  • Movement: Postmodern Design
  • Dimensions: 100 x 58 cm
  • Title: Face Vase

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary artistic style associated with Alessandro Mendini’s ‘Face Vase’?
Question 2:
The vase utilizes a distinctive color palette featuring which two colors?
Question 3:
Alessandro Mendini collaborated with Studio Alchimia to achieve what artistic goal?
Question 4:
‘Face Vase’ was exhibited prominently in which renowned museum?
Question 5:
What technique is employed to achieve the vase's striking visual contrast between opaque and transparent glass layers?

Collectible Description

Face Vase

Alessandro Mendini’s “Face Vase” stands as a testament to postmodern design's audacious embrace of cultural fusion—a striking visual dialogue between Venetian glassmaking tradition and contemporary artistic vision. Created in 2002, this ceramic sculpture embodies Mendini’s signature style: bold experimentation combined with meticulous craftsmanship.

The artist himself articulated the profound influence of anthropomorphic objects throughout history, stating that “For millennia there has been a fascinating history of anthropomorphic objects. From jewelry to architecture, from refined styles to popular art, humans have reproduced themselves in the objects they have made, modeling them in their image to make them their friends.” This ethos is powerfully realized in the vase’s form—a deliberate reimagining of the human visage—reflecting Mendini's fascination with exploring how artistic expression can mirror and interpret human experience.

Alessandro Mendini collaborated closely with Alchimia studio, establishing a groundbreaking design group that championed innovative approaches to ceramics. Their collective ambition was to challenge conventional aesthetics and push boundaries within the art world. This collaboration resulted in pieces like Proust Armchair, which cemented Mendini’s reputation as a visionary designer who dared to disrupt established norms.

The vase's aesthetic is defined by its striking color palette—a harmonious blend of blue and red—creating an arresting visual contrast that immediately draws the eye. Detailed sculpting captures the essence of human expression, with meticulously crafted eyes, nose, and mouth conveying a sense of contemplation and introspection. The sculpture’s placement within the Seoul Museum of Art underscores its significance as a centerpiece of postmodern design.

Furthermore, Mendini's work was recognized internationally, notably through his involvement in projects like the Groninger Museum in the Netherlands—a building celebrated for its groundbreaking architectural concept and innovative use of materials. This project solidified Mendini’s position as an influential figure shaping the landscape of modern architecture.

The vase’s creation benefited from the expertise of Venetian glassmakers, specifically Pino Signoretto, who brought a mastery of technique to the project. The “Grande Brindisi” and “Grande Alzata” pieces exemplify this collaboration, utilizing the lattimo cased glass method—a complex process layering opaque and transparent glass to achieve remarkable depth and luminosity.

The sculpture’s symbolism extends beyond mere visual representation; it speaks to a broader exploration of human identity and connection. Like Mendini's other works, “Face Vase” invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between art and humanity—a reflection of his enduring belief in design’s capacity to provoke thought and inspire emotion.

The vase’s dimensions – 100 x 58 cm – contribute to its impact as a monumental artwork. Its placement within the Seoul Museum of Art ensures that visitors can appreciate its scale and grandeur, reinforcing its status as an exemplar of postmodern design.


Artist Biography

early life and career

alessandro mendini, a renowned italian designer, architect, and artist, was born in milan in 1931. he graduated from politecnico di milano in 1959 with a degree in architecture and went on to work as a designer with marcello nizzoli.

contribution to postmodern design

mendini played a pivotal role in the development of italian, postmodern, and radical design. his work is characterized by his strong interest in mixing different cultures and forms of expression. he created graphics, furniture, interiors, paintings, and architecture, and wrote several articles and books.

notable works and collaborations

* proust armchair, a quintessential work of postmodernism * collaboration with companies such as cartier, gufram, hermès, vacheron constantin, swarovski, and supreme * design of the groninger museum in the netherlands, considered one of the most amazing postmodern buildings of the late 20th century

teaching and jury work

mendini taught at the university of milan and was a renowned member of the jury in architectural competitions for young designers.

legacy

* inducted into the 2022 milan hall of fame (famedio of milan - monumental cemetery) * work showcased in various museums, including the moderne der pinakothek in munich, germany
  • explore more of mendini's work on OriginalUniqueArt.com
  • discover the groninger museum and its significance in postmodern architecture on wikipedia
  • learn about mendini's design philosophy and its impact on the art world through his various publications and interviews on OriginalUniqueArt.com

remembering alessandro mendini with alchimia (1931-2019)

mendini's passing in 2019 marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence designers, architects, and artists around the world. his work remains a testament to the power of postmodern design and its ability to challenge and transform our understanding of art and culture. museo nazionale in palermo, italy, features some of mendini's notable works, offering a glimpse into his innovative design approach. visit OriginalUniqueArt.com to explore more about mendini and other artists who have shaped the world of art and design.

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Postmodern & Radical Design
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
    • Radical Design
    • Global Tools
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Ettore Sottsass Jr.
    • Michele De Lucchi
  • Date Of Birth: 1931-08-16
  • Date Of Death: 2019-02-18
  • Full Name: Alessandro Mendini
  • Nationality: Italian
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Proust Armchair
    • Groninger Museum
    • Lassú chair
  • Place Of Birth: Milan, Italy
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.