The "Proust" vase, originally made in two examples for the “ItalyGermany 4-3. Fifty years of Italian and German design” exhibition in Bonn in 2000, is the 101st vase in Alessandro Mendini's 1992 “100% Make-Up” collection. It consists of a form that is closed at the top with a cone-shaped lid. Made of white porcelain. The form is decorated with an indelible decal applied by firing. The lid and base are decorated with pure gold applied by hand, fired and cold-brushed after firing. Coordinated by Alessandro Mendini in 1992, the 100% Make-up operation saw the participation of 100 designers of various artistic and creative disciplines, invited to design a decoration for the vase designed by Mendini himself. The Proust vase ideally joins this collection, giving us an extraordinary interpretation of the famous decoration inspired by the French author Marcel Proust (1871 - 1922) and his places, where Mendini felt a connection between the writer and the Parisian pointillists. This limited edition ''Proust'' vase was produced at the beginning of 2021 on the occasion of one hundred years Alessi (1921 - 2021). The vase is part of the Alessi 100 Values Collection, this is a special initiative celebrates the values that define the identity and the practice of the hundred year “Dream Factory”. A collection of astonishing objects, coming from the Alessi Museum’s archives: objects never produced until now, unpublished versions, icons caught in their becoming. Limited edition of 999 numbered copies and 3 author's proof marked P.A. This is an object of desire for those who want to build their own private Design Gallery. This vase is number 77 of the 999 copies. This is an object that straddles the line between art and design and is dedicated to collectors with a passion for unique objects and for the eternal enthusiasts of Alessandro Mendini’s work. The vase is in a new and unused condition delivered with original packaging, certificate and documents. About Alessi: Alessi, a renowned Italian design brand founded in 1921, has become a symbol of cutting-edge design and innovative craftsmanship, especially in Postmodernism and Contemporary design as well as some Bauhaus objects. Over the decades, it has collaborated with iconic designers such as Aldo Rossi, Achille Castiglioni, Ettore Sottsass (a founder of the Memphis group), Michael Graves, Marcel Wanders, Richard Sapper, Zaha Hadid, the Bouroullec brothers, Tom Kovac, Toyo Ito, Jean Nouvel, Ron Arad, and Gio Ponti. These collaborations have cemented Alessi's reputation for creating timeless, functional pieces that double as works of art. This marks Alessi’s spot in the design industry with brands like Vitra, Cassina, Knoll and Flos which underlined the brands innovation, credibility and quality. The most celebrated design is Philippe Starck's Juicy Salif citrus squeezer, which almost became Alessi’s brand symbol in the minds of design lovers. Alessi's ability to work with groundbreaking figures in the design world echoes the timeless impact of designers like Arne Jacobsen, Eames, Verner Panton and Alvar Aalto whose minimalist approach shares a kinship with Alessi’s sleek designs. Similarly, Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier and Jean Prouvé's dedication to functionalism aligns with Alessi's ethos of merging beauty and utility. This makes Alessi a brand with high impact and rich marriage with fundamental design DNA. More recently, a collaboration with Virgil Abloh's creative agency (famous for their Nike, Ikea art and Louis Vuitton design) infused a fresh, modern sensibility into Alessi’s offerings. Designer: Alessandro Mendini (1931 - 2019), the visionary behind this masterpiece, was a true luminary in the design world. Not surprisingly Mendini worked with many famous design brands like Artemide, Kartell and Magis. His architectural background and editorial contributions shaped the landscape of Italian, postmodern, and radical design, injecting new "values" and "sensibilities" that challenged the dominance of commercialism and functionalism. Recognized with prestigious international awards, including the Compasso d'Oro and the European Prize for Architecture, Mendini's impact on the design industry is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire and push boundaries.