Ptolomeo Original is the freestanding bookshelf that needs no introduction because it is fundamental, revolutionary, innovative, as abrupt as an intuition, and as astonishing as its success.
The original Ptolomeo is a bookcase that conceals its own form to draw attention away from itself and instead to the volumes within. The bookcase consists of a single steel column with several steel shelves mounted at regular intervals. As the column is progressively filled with books, the shelves vanish. When it is completely stuffed, Original Ptolomeo disappears entirely, and the volumes give the impression that they are standing on their own.
Bruno Rainaldi, winner of the 2004 Compasso d'Oro for his design of Original Ptolomeo, says that the inspiration for the product came from a pile of books rather than a rigorous design process.
A "boring" bookshelf that manages to be both daring and in tune with its time. It is signed by the artist on the bottom, as is customary with works of art.
Original Ptolomeo, which comes in three different heights, is supported by a well-studied, sturdy base that is either stainless steel or lacquered to match the frame.
It's tall and slim, so it won't take up much room wherever you put it, and it comes in a variety of colors and materials (black, white, stainless steel, and corten effect) to match any aesthetic.
Ptolemy I Soter, to whom we owe the concept, in the 3rd Century b.C., of creating the Royal Library in Alexandria in Egypt, is honored in Original Ptolomeo, a monument to books and the man who history remembers as the first person to have cared for them.
