
Matteo Thun b. 1952
Matteo Thun is a designer and architect, known as one of the co-founders of the influential Memphis group. Born in Bolzano, Italy in 1952, Thun studied architecture at the University of Florence and upon moving to Milan in 1978 he met Ettore Sottsass. Though only part of Memphis for a short time, he made a lasting impact with his distinctive ceramics, accessories and lighting fixtures, notable for their Industrial Age-inspired forms, stylish colors and refined but playful presence. In 1984, he left Sottsass Associati to establish his own studio and also serve as the Creative Director of Swatch, a position he held from 1990 to 1993. He has been awarded the Compasso d’Oro three times, the Green Good Design Award in 2011 and the resorts he has designed are world-renowned for their holistic approach to sustainability, wellness and sensitivity to space and natural surroundings. Thun currently heads Matteo Thun & Partners, which has offices in Milan and Shanghai and practices “Zero Design” or “no design” to create designs and interiors that are simple, refined, durable and timeless.
Auction Results Matteo Thun

Matteo Thun
Pinguino I teapot
estimate: $3,000–4,000
result: $3,900

Matteo Thun
Lesbia Oceanica teapot from the Rara Avis collection
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $3,900

Matteo Thun
collection of eight vessels
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $3,750

Matteo Thun
Gallus Italicus teapot from the Rara Avis collection
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $3,675

Matteo Thun
Corvus Corax teapot from the Rara Avis collection
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $3,675

Matteo Thun
Columbina Descendens teapot from Rara Avis collection
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $3,675

Matteo Thun
Tripalle fruit bowl
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $3,600

Matteo Thun
Santa Fe ceiling lamps, pair
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $3,500

Matteo Thun
Madia cabinet
estimate: $4,000–5,000
result: $2,400

Matteo Thun
Santa Fe light fixture
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $2,160

Matteo Thun
Santa Fe light fixture
estimate: $700–900
result: $1,430

Matteo Thun
Pao wall sconces, pair
estimate: $300–500
result: $1,250

Matteo Thun
Corvus Corax teapot
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $1,250

Matteo Thun
Nefertiti teapot
estimate: $700–900
result: $1,062

Matteo Thun
table lamp
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $938

Matteo Thun
Api ashtray
estimate: $300–500
result: $875

Matteo Thun
Santa Ana ceiling lamp
estimate: $700–900
result: $875

Matteo Thun
Tuja vase
estimate: $600–800
result: $750

Matteo Thun
Santa Monica light fixture
estimate: $700–900
result: $750

Matteo Thun
table accessories
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $625

Matteo Thun
vase
estimate: $700–900
result: $625

Matteo Thun
teapot
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $563

Matteo Thun
Nefertiti sugarbowl
estimate: $500–700
result: $375

Matteo Thun
Nefertiti cup and saucer
estimate: $200–300
result: $375