Dedalo Umbrella Stand by Emma Gismondi Schweinberger for Artemide, 1966

Authentic vintage Dedalo umbrella stand, designed by Emma Gismondi Schweinberger for Artemide in 1966.

Produced in Italy in moulded ABS plastic, Dedalo belongs to the generation of domestic objects that brought new synthetic materials and industrial production methods into Italian interiors during the 1960s. Its compact cylindrical form is softened by a rounded upper profile punctuated by seven circular openings for holding individual umbrellas.

The design is documented in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, which records Artemide S.p.A., Milan, as the manufacturer.

Design and craftsmanship

Dedalo is formed from moulded ABS plastic, combining the body and umbrella openings into a continuous, visually simple form. The seven regularly spaced apertures around the upper section provide individual positions for umbrellas while also defining the distinctive geometry of the design.

The removable circular base collects water from wet umbrellas and can be detached for cleaning.

The beige surface shows light traces of age and use. These are consistent with the material and the functional purpose of the object and have been left as found.

Origin & period

Designer: Emma Gismondi Schweinberger
Manufacturer: Artemide S.p.A.
Model: Dedalo
Design date: 1966
Period: 1960s
Style: Italian Mid-Century Modern / Space Age
Material: ABS plastic
Colour: Beige
Origin: Italy

Dimensions

Height: approx. 39 cm (15.4 in)
Diameter: approx. 34 cm (13.4 in)

These dimensions correspond closely with those recorded for Dedalo by MoMA.

Condition

Very good vintage condition.

The umbrella stand is structurally sound, with no cracks or breaks, as shown in the photographs.

A small dark mark, possibly from permanent marker, is present on the base, facing towards the interior (see photograph 9). It has not been removed and is not visible when the umbrella stand is placed in its normal upright position.

There is also a darkened area on the interior surface where the tips of umbrellas rest (see photograph 10). This has not been removed and does not affect the use, structure or exterior appearance of the piece.

Light surface wear and marks are otherwise consistent with age and normal use. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

Use and display

Originally conceived as a functional umbrella stand, Dedalo remains entirely suitable for its intended purpose.

Its compact proportions and distinctive moulded form also make it relevant to collections and interiors focused on post-war Italian design, Space Age objects and 20th-century industrial design.

An original example of Emma Gismondi Schweinberger's documented 1966 Dedalo design for Artemide, preserved as a one-of-a-kind vintage piece.