Memphis Group Furniture
Italian
To many people, postmodern design is synonymous with the Memphis Group. This Italian collaborative created the most radical and attention-getting designs of the period, upending most of the accepted standards of how furniture should look.
The Memphis story begins in 1980, when Ettore Sottsass, then a beacon of Italian postmodernism, tapped a coterie of younger designers to develop a collection for the Milan Furniture Fair the next year, determined that all the new furniture they were then seeing was boring. Their mission: Boldly reject the stark minimalism of the 1970s and shatter the rules of form and function. (Sottsass’s Ultrafragola mirror, designed in 1970, embodied many of what would become the collective’s postmodern ideals.)
The group decided to design, produce and market their own collection, one that wouldn’t be restricted by concerns like functionality and so-called good taste. Its debut, at Milan’s 1981 Salone del Mobile, drew thousands of viewers and caused a major stir in design circles.
So as a record of Bob Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile” played on repeat, they took their name from the song, devised their marketing strategy and plotted the postmodern look that would come to define the decade of excess — primary colors, blown-up proportions, playful nods to Art Deco and Pop art. A high-low mix of materials also helped define Memphis, as evidenced by Javier Mariscal’s pastel serving trays, which feature laminate veneer — a material previously used only in kitchens — as well as Shiro Kuramata’s Nara and Kyoto tables made from colored glass-infused terrazzo.
An image of Sottsass posing with his collaborators in a conversation pit shaped like a boxing ring appeared in magazines all over the world, and Karl Lagerfield furnished his Monte Carlo penthouse entirely in Memphis furniture. Meanwhile, members like Andrea Branzi, Aldo Cibic, Michele de Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Kuramata, Paola Navone, Peter Shire, George Sowden, Sottsass and his wife, journalist Barbara Radice, went on to enjoy fruitful careers.
Some people think of the Milan-based collective as the design equivalent to Patrick Nagel’s kitschy screenprints, but for others Memphis represents what made the early 1980s so great: freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors.
Eventually, the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990s minimalism, and Memphis fell out of fashion. Sottsass left the group in 1985, and by 1987, it had disbanded. Yet decades later, Memphis is back and can be traced to today’s most exciting designers.
“As someone who was born in the 1980s, Memphis at times feels like the grown-up, artsy version of the toys I used to play with,” says Shaun Kasperbauer, cofounder of the Brooklyn studio Souda. “It feels a little nostalgic, but at the same time it seems like an aesthetic that’s perfectly suited to an internet age — loud, colorful and utilizing forms that are graphic and often a little unexpected.”
Find a collection of vintage Memphis Group seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Memphis Group
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Milano Diva Vintage Wall Mirror, Italy, 1984
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in Vienna, AT
A post-modern wall-mounted mirror, Model „Diva" designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, Italy. This mirror is a vintage original from the 1980s, made from wood and mi...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Laminate, Wood
Carlton Wood Miniature Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown an authentic and perfect reproduction of the Carlton bookcase, originally designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass. The vivid colors and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Ettore Sottsass
Marco Zanini for Leitner Donau Collection Bed and Nightstand
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Marco Zanini, Memphis Milano
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and iconic Italian post-modern Donau Collection bed and matching nightstand designed by master architect and furniture designer Ettore Sottsass (Austria/Italy, 1917-2007) in collaboration with Marco Zanini (Milan, Italy; b.1971) for Leitner Interior Design, circa 1988.
Scarce design, bold and dramatic, sculptural-form, exceptionally executed in bird’s-eye maple lacquered and laminated wood, including blue accents and columns that offer a visually striking contrast. Retaining the original manufacturer's label, signed, 195/88.
Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. Design Signature Auction catalog #8110
Dimensions: (approx)
Bed: (Twin XL...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Wood
Tahiti Table Lamp
EU VERSION 220v
, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis, Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU wired 220v 'Tahiti' table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981. The light fixture is of a polychrome enameled metal "duck" with a pivoting-like head mo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Palace Wood Chair, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, George Sowden, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Palace chair in colored lacquered wood, designed in 1983, by George Sowden.
George Sowden was born in Leeds, UK in 1942. He studied architecture at Glou...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood
D
Antibes Wooden Storage Cabinet, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, George Sowden
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Designed in 1981 by George Sowden, The "D'Antibes" is a piece of storage furniture with long legs. Cabinet in lacquered wood silkscreened on the two sid...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood
Broccoli Fruit Bowl, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Marco Zanini
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Ceramic three-level fruit bowl originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1985 for Memphis Milano. The three geometrical shapes in three colors complete the idea of a trilogy.
Marco Zan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Ivory Side Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Shiro Kuramata, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Ivory side table has a beautiful contrasting laminate pattern, designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 191...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass, Plastic
Freemont Gilded Wood Console, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Freemont gilded wood console in wood, plastic laminate and aluminum. Designed in 1985, by Ettore Sottsass.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Rucola Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Rucola ceramic dinner plate was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass, in 1985, as part of a series of decorative plates. The playful names of the design items are a reminder of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Casablanca Wood Cabinet, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Casablanca cabinet designed in 1981 for Memphis by Ettore Sottsass, in wood and plastic laminated colors. This is an unlimited edition with a number...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Madonna Wooden Table, by Arquitectonica for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Arquitectonica
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Madonna table in lacquered wood, designed in 1984 by Arquitectonica.
Memphis is the great cultural phenomenon of the 1980s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood
Beverly Wood Sideboard, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Beverly sideboard in wood and covered with plastic laminate and natural briar, plus a two-door container with shelf, was originally designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass for Memphi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Tartar Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Tartar Table in laminated wood was originally designed in 1985, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano.
Ettore Sottsass was born in ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood
Horizon Double Bed, by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Horizon Double bed designed in 1984 by Michele De Lucchi, in plastic laminate, with optional cotton bedspread (designed by Ettore Sottsass) optional.
Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated in architecture in Florence. During the period of radical and experimental architecture he was a prominent figure in movements like Cavart, Alchymia and Memphis. His architectural designs have been mainly for office buildings in Japan, in Germany, in Switzerland and in Italy. He has taken care of numerous art and design exhibitions and has planned buildings for museums as Triennale di Milano, Palazzo delle Esposizioni di Roma and Neues Museum...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Suvretta Plastic Bookcase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Suvretta bookcase in plastic laminate was originally designed in 1981, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Colorado Ceramic Teapot, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Colorado teapot in ceramic was originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1983.
Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduated in architecture ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Oceanic Table Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collec
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired (110v), Oceanic Table Lamp made in metal and glass, designed in 1981, by Michele De Lucchi. EU Version 220v availabl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Ashoka Metal Table Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano C.
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired, Ashoka Table Lamp in lacquered metal, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981 for Memphis Milano.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at the Politecnico di Torino. One of the most influential and important figures of the last century. As an Architect and Designer, he has participated in all radical movements whether created from the 1970s and 1980s. In 1981 he founded the Memphis group, a group that has radically changed the scenario of Italian and world design. Honored with numerous international awards, was winner of the Golden Compass in 1959. He designed the first laptop "Valentina" by Olivetti. He died in 2007 at the age of 90 years.
Memphis Milano is the great cultural phenomenon of the 1980s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene, Memphis turned upside down all of the existing parameters on living. Ettore Sottsass as the backbone of the group, design gained a new concept and expression through new shapes, materials and patterns, expanding the creative limits of the industry. Memphis became a symbol of New Design. Its influence is still clear in various sectors of production and beyond.
Additional Info:
- Dimensions: W 29, D 5, H 35.5 inches
- Lighting Info: 1 X 50 W, 12 V - 5 X 40W. (E14)
- Materials: Lacquered metal.
- Additional Lighting Info: Please note that this item is wired in 110 V for the standard US light socket.
- Price includes additional US rewiring cost for accessibility with US outlets.
- If you are interested in the EU version of this light, please refer to the dealers storefront for the (EU) wired light fixture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Orinoco Ceramic Vase, by Masanori Umeda from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Masanori Umeda
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Orinoco Vase in ceramic, was originally designed in 1983 by Masanori Umeda.
Was born in 1941 at Kanagawa in Japan. He obtained his diploma from the Kuwasawa School of Design in Tok...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Rigel Glass Bowl, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Rigel Glass Bowl was originally designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. The piece features blue, black, green, red and clear glass with lid and ste...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Volga White Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Volga Vase for one flower in decorated white porcelain, was originally designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano.
Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Os...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$2,530 / item
Murmansk Silver Plated Brass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Murmansk Fruit Bowl in Brass with plated Silver. The "Murmansk" is a fruit bowl is one of the first designs produced by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis in 1982. The sleek bowl is plated silver over brass, and sitting on six stepped legs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Brass, Silver
32 Ananke Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Ananke Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is glass blown, and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Emerald Side Table, by Nathalie du Pasquier for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Emerald Sideboard in wood, plastic laminate and mirror, designed by Nathalie Du Pasquier in 1985.
Nathalie du Pasquier was born in Bordeaux, France,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Squash Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Maria Sanchez, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Squash Ashtray is made in ceramic, and is one of the smallest objects in the Memphis Milano collection. The overlapping of shapes and colors are dis...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Treetops Floor Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collect
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired "Treetops" floor lamp designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981 in metal with halogen bulb.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at the Politecnico di Torino. One of the most influential and important figures of the last century. As an Architect and Designer, he has participated in all radical movements whether created from the 1970s and 1980s. In 1981 he founded the Memphis group, a group that has radically changed the scenario of Italian and world design. Honored with numerous international awards, was winner of the Golden Compass in 1959. He designed the first laptop "Valentina" by Olivetti. He died in 2007 at the age of 90 years.
Memphis Milano is the great cultural phenomenon of the 1980s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene, Memphis turned upside down all of the existing parameters on living. Ettore Sottsass as the backbone of the group, design gained a new concept and expression through new shapes, materials and patterns, expanding the creative limits of the industry. Memphis became a symbol of New Design. Its influence is still clear in various sectors of production and beyond.
Additional Info:
- Dimensions: H 76.75 inches, Base W. 10.75 inches, D. 40.25 inches.
- Materials: Metal.
- Color options: Available in yellow fixture, orange stem, turquoise knob and mint green base; or in an orange fixture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Madras Table, by Nathalie du Pasquier, from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Madras table has a beautiful contrasting laminate pattern top, designed in 1986 by Nathalie du Pasquier.
Nathalie du Pasquier was born in Bordeaux...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Laminate
Set of 8 Bodum Postmodern Napkin Rings by Jumi Chan
Nathalie Du Pasquier
By Memphis Group, Bodum, Nathalie du Pasquier, Ajumi Han, Memphis Milano
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Striking set of 8 postmodern (two of each patten) napkin rings created for Bodum by Memphis-affiliated designers Nathalie Du Pasquier and Jumi Chan. These sculptural table accessorie...
Category
Late 20th Century German Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
Big Sur Wooden Couch, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Peter Shire, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Big Sur couch is made out of 100% wool, and the structure is in lacquered wood. The couch was originally designed in 1986 by Peter Shire for Memphis M...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wool, Wood
21 Clesitera Glass Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Clesitera glass vase with pendant, was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is blown glass, and signed on the base, for further information please see authent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Sirio Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Sirio glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the edge of the Stand: "E. Sottsass per Memphis Milano”. For further information please see authen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Amaltea Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Amaltea Glass” collection. Made in Murano. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis”. Signed on the base.
Et...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Gritti Bookcase, by Andrea Branzi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Andrea Branzi
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Gritti bookcase in plastic laminate, wood, metal and glass. Designed in 1981, by Andrea Branzi.
Andrea Branzi, architect and designer, born in Florence,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Kristall End Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Kristall end table in plastic laminate, lacquered wood and metal. Designed in 1981, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano.
Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and gradu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plastic
First Wood and Metal Chair, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The First chair in enameled wood and metal, was originally designed in 1983 by Michele De Lucchi.
Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated in architecture in Florence. During the period of radical and experimental architecture he was a prominent figure in movements like Cavart, Alchymia and Memphis. His architectural designs have been mainly for office buildings in Japan, in Germany, in Switzerland and in Italy. He has taken care of numerous art and design exhibitions and has planned buildings for museums as Triennale di Milano, Palazzo delle Esposizioni di Roma and Neues Museum...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Rainbow design Wood Night Lamp by Kiener Zürich, in Style of Memphis Group, 1980
By Memphis Group
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Triple shade opal glass and yellow body flush mount by AKA, 1960s, Germany
Sculptural very elegant rare design flush mount.
It is very ideal and suitable for all living areas....
Category
1980s Swiss Space Age Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood
Michele de Lucchi Burgundy Writing Dining Table For Memphis Milano Italy, 1985
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi
Located in Vienna, AT
Customized dining table, laminated wood and steel, Michele de Lucchi 'Burgundy' table Memphis Italy, 1985. Dimensions are: 94.1" x 31.5" x 28.74" (height).
One-of-a-kind, rare dinin...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Steel
Polar Side Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Polar side table was originally designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1984 for Memphis Milano. It is made out of plastic laminate and lacquered wood.
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Plastic
1980
s Postmodern Memphis Collection by Dasch Japan Porcelain Rare Teapot
By Memphis Group, Kenny Dasch
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare 1980's porcelain teapot very collectible by Memphis for Dasch , excellent condition no chips or cracks.
Category
20th Century Japanese Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Tahiti Table Lamp (US VERSION 110v), by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired 'Tahiti' Table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981. The light fixture is of a polychrome enameled metal "duck" with a pivoting-like head mounted on a black and white bacterio-patterned laminate base. EU VERSION 220v AVAILABLE IN ANOTHER LISTING.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at the Politecnico di Torino. One of the most influential and important figures of the last century. As an Architect and Designer, he has participated in all radical movements whether created from the 1970s and 1980s. In 1981 he founded the Memphis group, a group that has radically changed the scenario of Italian and world design. Honored with numerous international awards, was winner of the Golden Compass in 1959. He designed the first laptop "Valentina" by Olivetti. He died in 2007 at the age of 90 years.
Memphis Milano is the great cultural phenomenon of the 1980s that revolutionized creative and commercial logics in design. Born from the idea of Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers and architects, in Milan, coupled in the years by famous designers from the international scene, Memphis turned upside down all of the existing parameters on living. Ettore Sottsass as the backbone of the group, design gained a new concept and expression through new shapes, materials and patterns, expanding the creative limits of the industry. Memphis became a symbol of New Design. Its influence is still clear in various sectors of production and beyond.
Additional info:
- Dimensions: H 23.5 inches
- Materials: Metal
- Lighting info: 50 W, 12 V
-Additional Lighting Info: Please note that this item is wired in 110 V for the standard US light socket.
- Price includes additional US rewiring cost for accessibility to US outlets.
- If you are interested in the EU version of this light, please refer to the dealers storefront for the (EU) wired light fixture...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Super Blue Table Light
EU
220 Volts, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU wired, super blue table or floor lamp in fiberglass, designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Color options also include: Yellow, White with Colored Sockets, and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass, Fiberglass
Cucumber Ceramic Flower Vase, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Cucumber flower vase was originally designed by Martine Bedin in 1985 for Memphis. An object not thought for simple use but for a long contemplation, the ceramic vase is a true c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Flamingo Bedside Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Flamingo bedside table in laminated wood and plastic, designed in 1984 by Michele De Lucchi.
Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated in architecture in Florence. During the period of radical and experimental architecture he was a prominent figure in movements like Cavart, Alchymia and Memphis. His architectural designs have been mainly for office buildings in Japan, in Germany, in Switzerland and in Italy. He has taken care of numerous art and design exhibitions and has planned buildings for museums as Triennale di Milano, Palazzo delle Esposizioni di Roma and Neues Museum...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plastic
13 Malide Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The 13 Malide glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Malide Glass” collection. Made in Murano glass, and signed on the base “E.Sottsa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Metropole Clock, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, George Sowden
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Metropole Clock in plastic laminate, designed in 1982, George Sowden.
George Sowden was born in Leeds, UK in 1942. He studied architecture at Gloucestershire College of Art in the 1...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Squash Light Blue Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Maria Sanchez, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Squash Light Blue Ashtray in ceramic was originally designed in 1985 by Maria Sanchez for Memphis Milano. The Squash ashtray is one of the smallest ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
K. SHIGETO 1980 Memphis Design Modernist Zojirushi Coffee-Tea Pot Carafe In
By Memphis Group
Located in Miami, FL
A Memphis Zojirushi coffee-pot designed by K. Shigeto.
This is a beautiful vintage coffee-tea pot server created in Japan during the Memphis period, back in 1980. This Zojirushi- Ja...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Plastic
$398 Sale Price
20% Off
Amazon Cabinet, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Amazon Cabinet in reconstituted veneer and lacquered wood, was originally designed in 1985 by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano.
Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He gradu...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood
25 Astimelusa Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Astimelusa Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Vetri Glass” collection, and made out of blown Murano glass. Signed “E.Sottsass...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Carlton Wood Room Divider, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown an authentic and perfect reproduction of the Carlton bookcase and room divider, originally designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass. The...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Carrot Flower Vase, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Carrot ceramic vase was originally designed by Nathalie du Pasquier in 1985 for Memphis Milano. The transmuted ceramic arises in geometric compositions ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Deneb Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Deneb vase in multicolored glass was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982 for Memphis. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis Milano”.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Santa Fe Porcelain Ceiling Lamp USA 110Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the Santa Fe Porcelain Ceiling Lamp with US wiring accessibility, designed in 1985 by Matteo Thun. The Lamp is made in porcel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Mandarin Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Mandarin table in plastic laminate, metal and glass, designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he gr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass, Plastic
Palm Springs Briar Dining Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Palm Springs dining table, in briar and plastic laminate was originally designed in 1984, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Johanna Grawunder Memphis Large Yellow Black Light Wall Lamps (4), Italy 1989
By Memphis Group, Johanna Grawunder
Located in Vienna, AT
Four early Johanna Grawunder lighting panels or sconces for Memphis, Italy, 1989. Dimensions per piece: 43.3"x29.5"x2".
Sold and priced individually.
New York based designer/archi...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Squash Gold Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Maria Sanchez, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Squash Gold Ashtray in ceramic was originally designed in 1985 by Maria Sanchez for Memphis Milano. The Squash ashtray is one of the smallest object...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Peninsula Metal and Glass Side Table, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collect.
By Peter Shire, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Peninsula side table in metal and glass, was originally designed in 1982 by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano.
Peter Shire is a Los Angeles artist. Shire was born in the Echo Park...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Memphis Table By Shiro Kuramata Sally Glass Chrome Rolling Table, 1987
By Memphis Group, Shiro Kuramata
Located in Vienna, AT
Round rolling table sally by Shiro Kuramata for Memphis, 1987
Dimensions are 30.31" x 23.35" x 23.35"
Iconic table 'Sally' by Shiro Kuramata, Japan, 1987 for Memphis. Comprised of ...
Category
1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Memphis Group furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Memphis Group furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Memphis Group furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 33 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 132 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Memphis Group were created in the modern style in europe during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Fulvio Bianconi, Ferruccio Laviani, and Rodolfo Dordoni. Prices for Memphis Group furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $104 and can go as high as $23,720, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,266.
Creators Similar to Memphis Group
Questions About Memphis Group Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between Memphis and Art Deco is that the terms refer to two different design styles. Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, and its pieces often flaunt bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs and ornamental details, such as mirrored finishes and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Named after the Memphis Group, which formed in 1980, Memphis design emphasizes freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors. Some people describe it as Art Deco meets Pop art. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Art Deco and Memphis design furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024The Memphis Group is famous for creating the most radical and attention-getting designs of the postmodern period, upending most of the accepted standards of how furniture should look. Its story begins in 1980, when Ettore Sottsass, then a beacon of Italian postmodernism, tapped a coterie of younger designers to develop a collection for the upcoming Milan Furniture Fair. Their mission was to boldly reject the stark minimalism of the 1970s and shatter the rules of form and function. The group decided to design, produce and market its own collection, one that wouldn't be restricted by concerns like functionality and so-called good taste. Its debut at Milan's 1981 Salone del Mobile drew thousands of viewers and caused a major stir in design circles. The group remained active until the 1990s. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Memphis Group furniture and decorative objects.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024What the ’80s design style is called varies, as multiple styles are associated with the decade. Some people refer to the designs of the period using the generic term postmodern. Pieces featuring bright colors, geometric shapes, strong patterns and abstract designs may be classified as Memphis style. Synthwave style drew inspiration from the new wave and punk music scenes, including technology-inspired motifs, such as grid lines and vibrant neon colors. Another 1980s design style is commonly referred to as ’80s Cute. Pioneered by designer Lisa Frank, it typically features whimsical imagery, such as rainbows, hearts and fast food. Find a large collection of 1980s furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is the Memphis Group?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group was an art and design collective formed in 1980 by Ettore Sottsass. The group debuted in 1981 and continued working together until 1987, producing furniture, decorative objects and textiles. Shop a selection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- Who was in the Memphis Group?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Numerous artists and designers were in the Memphis Group. Ettore Sottsass founded the collective and served as its leader. Other members included Aldo Cibic, Andrea Branzi, Javier Mariscal, Martine Bedin, Massimo Iosa Ghini, Michael Graves, Michele De Lucchi, Nathalie du Pasquier, Peter Shire and Shiro Kuramata. You'll find a range of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group was created by Italian designer Ettore Sottsass to bring together artists and designers with similar visions. He hoped to combine the ideas of all the members and create single furniture and decorative object designs under one name. You'll find a collection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- Who founded the Memphis Group?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Italian designer Ettore Sottsass founded the Memphis Group in 1980 to fulfill his vision of having a team of like-minded designers collaborating to produce unique furniture and decorative objects. In 1981, the group held their first exhibition and continued to design together until 1987. You'll find a selection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group designed a wide variety of items from 1980 to 1987 when the collective was active. Their designs included furniture and textiles as well as decorative objects made out of ceramics, metal and glass. Shop a collection of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group formed in 1980 when Italian designer Ettore Sottsass invited fellow artists and designers to band together and create a collective. In 1981, the group debuted with a show in Milan, Italy, and continued to collaborate until disbanding in 1987. You'll find a variety of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group had an eclectic style created by combining the creativity of numerous artists and designers. Its furniture, textiles and decorative aspects blend elements of Pop Art and Art Deco design. Shop a range of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group debuted their designs in 1981 with an exhibition at the Salone del Mobile of Milan in Milan, Italy. Although many people criticized their designs at the time, the design group developed a cult following that boasted famous creatives like fashion designer Karl Lagerfield and musician David Bowie. Shop a variety of Memphis Group furniture at 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Memphis Group got its name from the Bob Dylan song "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again." During the group's first meeting led by Italian designer Ettore Sottsas the song was on repeat, and the gathered artists and designers drew inspiration from the title. You'll find a variety of Memphis Group furniture on 1stDibs.
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