Italian Mid-Century Tempus Mirror Cabinet by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova, 1960s

Italian Mid-Century Tempus mirror cabinet

This rare Italian Mid-Century Tempus wall-mounted mirror cabinet was designed by Ettore Sottsass for Poltronova in the 1960s. Combining a circular mirror with a storage compartment and shelf, the design epitomises Sottsass’s playful yet functional approach to furniture. The warm wood tones, sculptural cut-out detail, and bold geometric form reflect his exploration of radical aesthetics well before founding the Memphis Group.

Sculptural Italian Mid-Century design by Ettore Sottsass

The Tempus Mid-Century mirror cabinet is both utilitarian and poetic. Its round mirror is framed above a minimalist shelf, while the hinged cabinet provides discreet storage. The sculptural cut-out top detail evokes both architectural arches and domestic forms, elevating the piece from everyday furniture into a collectible statement. Perfect as a hallway console, bedroom vanity, or bathroom accent, this cabinet demonstrates Sottsass’s unique ability to combine art, architecture, and design.

Poltronova and Italian craftsmanship

Poltronova was among the most influential Italian manufacturers of the 1960s, producing revolutionary works by Sottsass, Archizoom, and Superstudio. The Tempus cabinet embodies this fertile creative period, where traditional wood craftsmanship met experimental postmodern design. Today, it is regarded as a highly collectible Sottsass piece, bridging modernist clarity with the imaginative spirit of postmodernism.

For more on Sottsass and Italian radical design, visit our Arts Chronicle – Page 3.

Details & Dimensions

Designer: Ettore Sottsass
Manufacturer: Poltronova
Place of Origin: Italy
Date of Manufacture: 1960s
In style: Mid-Century Modern Italian, Postmodern
Materials & Techniques: Wood, mirror, fitted hardware
Condition: Good vintage condition, wear consistent with age and use

Dimensions:
Height: 170 cm
Width: 64 cm
Depth: 27 cm

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Lumini Collections online store is constantly updated with new arrivals, just like our showroom in Byron Bay. If you're looking to buy unique Mid-Century design pieces in Australia, get in contact with us at showroom@luminicollections.com for more photos or additional information.