Sam Zell’s 22 Boxes
Legacy object, 2026
Book design and production


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200 pages, 11×11”
Client: Chai Trust
Producer: Bill Bartolotta
Printer: Classic Color
© 2026

For 22 years, Sam Zell gave a handcrafted music box as a year-end gift to his closest collaborators. Each carried a custom sculpture, a commissioned song, and a forecast. Chai Trust later asked for a book to celebrate all 22.

The result is 675 numbered copies in two editions: 200 pages, 22 double-gatefold spreads, smyth-sewn binding with an exposed spine, and 25 foil-stamp impressions throughout. Sam's handwriting was digitized into a custom typeface and set entirely in foil. The special edition includes a bonded leather slipcase with ribbon pull and a pop-up insert.

A meaningful book for friends and family

Cover of 22 Boxes, gold edition


Collage of Music Box Details
Photos: Jon Shaft

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Saltator Sepulcri, a mark commonly appearing on Zell automata

Table of Contents, organized by year

Survival of the Fittest, photographic details

Survival of the Fittest, gatefold spread opened

Sam’s handwriting, digitized and printed in foil (detail)

Survival of the Fittest, box introduction

Tender Credibility, box introduction

Epilogue, a decompression

Limited-edition books and legacy objects for founders, families, and institutions
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