Pelicanus Bellicosus teapot
1982
Medium
earthenware
Measurements
(a-b) 22.4 × 37.3 × 10.4 cm (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased from Admission Funds, 1991
© Matteo Thun
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
The Memphis Group was an association of Italian architects and designers founded in 1981 in Milan by Ettore Sottsass. The group’s work was an open revolt against the constraints of modernism and its ideals. Memphis designers created metalware, glassware, ceramics, textiles and furniture that made use of riotous colour and pattern and frequently employed ephemeral materials. Forms became outlandish, often at the expense of functionality. This ceramic teapot designed by Matteo Thun is visually arresting both in its unconventional shape and use of strident colour and pattern; however, it is hard to imagine being able to successfully pour a cup of tea from it.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Inscription
(a) painted in gold on right side of pot c.: (crown) / THUN / SARRI / 1982
painted (vertically) in gold on right side of pot c.: pour Karl
Accession Number
D84.a-b-1991
Department
International Decorative Arts
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited
Physical description
Grey body with purple lozenge knop and pink tube spout, broad cerise strap.