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
32 Ananke Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
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
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
Deneb Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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
13 Malide Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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
14 Astidamia Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Astidamia glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Astidamia Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed “E.Sottsass ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Sirio Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
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
21 Clesitera Glass Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, 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
33 Neobule Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Neobule 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
12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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
Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Aldebaran Glass Fruit Bowl was designed for Memphis in 1983 by Ettore Sottsass. This bowl features a tapering cylindrical shape with three green handles, with the side decorated ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
26 Niobe Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Niobe Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is made out of blown glass and signed on the base. For further information please see authenticity i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Rigel Glass Bowl, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, 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
31 Imera Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Imera Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is made out of blown glass, and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
2 Fililla Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Fililla Glass Vase is blown glass, with a pendant and was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. Signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Sol Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Sol glass fruit bowl was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below.
Ettore Sottsass was bo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Alcor Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alcor Glass Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis. Signed on the base.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
30 Pasifila Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Pasifil Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection, made in blown Murano glass. Signed on the base, for ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Alioth Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alioth Glass Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis in 1983. The Venetian glass vase features blue fusions and black threads. Signed on the base.
Ettore Sottsass was b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Mizar Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Mizar vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. The piece features clear and blue glass with multicolored handles.
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, 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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Marco Zanini
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase was designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information.
Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
Altair Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Altair Glass Flower Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. I...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Agelada Glass Vase with pendant was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass
First Chair by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
Located in Vienna, AT
Iconic "First Chair" designed by Michelle de Lucchi for Memphis Milano 1983 in good condition, some scratches to the seat.
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Memphis Exhibition 35x23" 1984 Gala Chicago, Original Poster by Xeno Framed
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in Chicago, IL
Iconic 1984 Memphis poster designed by Christopher Garland at Xeno design studio, with an illustration by Michael Glascott.
Designed for the 1984 Opening Gala event at the CITY stor...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Paper
Treetops Floor Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU 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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
D'Antibes Wooden Storage Cabinet, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
By George Sowden, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
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
Martine Bedin Architectural Drawing for Memphis Hand-Signed Dated 1990
By Memphis Milano, Martine Bedin, Memphis Group
Located in Chicago, IL
Original drawings by Martine Bedin for Memphis, hand signed and dated 1990. Architectural research drawing by the Memphis Group visionary Martine Bedin who created the instantly reco...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Paper
Tahiti Table Lamp (US VERSION 110v), by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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
Squash Yellow Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Maria Sanchez
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Squash Yellow Ashtray in ceramic was originally designed in 1985 by Maria Sanchez for Memphis Milano. The Squash ashtray is one of the smallest obje...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Martine Bedin Architectural Drawing for Memphis Hand-Signed Dated 1990
By Memphis Milano, Martine Bedin, Memphis Group
Located in Chicago, IL
Original drawings by Martine Bedin for Memphis, hand signed and dated 1990. Architectural research drawing by the Memphis Group visionary Martine Bedin who created the instantly reco...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Paper
Martine Bedin Original Drawing for Memphis Signed Dated 1990
By Memphis Milano, Martine Bedin, Memphis Group
Located in Chicago, IL
Original drawings by Martine Bedin for Memphis, hand signed and dated 1990. Research drawings of stools, chairs, centerpieces, tables, totems and boxes by the Memphis Group visionary...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Paper
Memphis In Memphis, 1985 Exhibition Poster Framed
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in Chicago, IL
Poster designed by Eddie Tucker for the Memphis Group exhibition "Memphis in Memphis" at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art from November 18th 1984 to February 3rd 1985.
Eddie Tucker portr...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Paper
CHAD Teapot, Designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. For the collection Memphis Milano.
By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
Located in Beirut, LB
The Chad teapot (1981) disrupts the habitual characteristics of the object, thanks to a circular form with a hole in the middle.
Matteo Thun wagers on white for a series of objects ...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Nilo Vase, Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for the Collection Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Beirut, LB
The Nilo vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano 1981-1988. Produced by Memphis in 2013-2014.
A classic by Sottsass, the Nilo porcelain vase is par...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Euphrates Vase, Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Beirut, LB
The Euphrates vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano 1981-1988. A classic by Sottsass, the Euphrates porcelain vase is part of three 'rivers' vase...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Bel Air Armchair, by Peter Shire for Memphis Collection
By Peter Shire, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Peter Shire
1982
Armchair in wood, wool fabrics.
The Bel Air chair is a tribute to the American West Coast and surf culture. The asymmetrical back takes ...
Category
2010s Italian Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Wood
Titicaca Porcelain Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Titicaca porcelain vase was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982, winks an eye to the largest lake in South America, its design follows a line of experimentation with a dis...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Horizon Double Bed, by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
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
Contemporary Ettore Sottsass Polychrome Memphis “Tahiti” Table Lamp, Italy, 1981
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Ettore Sottsass
Italy, Contemporary. Tahiti lamp, designed in 1981.
Polychrome enameled metal “duck” with pivoting head mounted on a black and white bact...
Category
2010s Italian Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Memphis, Barbara Radice 1984 First Edition
By Memphis Group, Barbara Radice, Ettore Sottsass
Located in London, GB
First edition, published by Rizzoli, 1984
‘Research, Experiences, Result, Failures and Successes of New Design’
Founded in 1981 by designer Ettore Sottsass, the Italy-based Mem...
Category
1980s American Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Paper
Memphis Style Porcelain Cocktail Accessories by Matteo Thun
By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A contemporary manufacture set of porcelain Memphis-style cocktail accessories after designs by Matteo Thun in 1982 for the Memphis group. The pair comprises the 'Michigan' oil holde...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
1980s Marco Zanini for Bitossi Memphis Milano Black and Blue Ceramic Teapot
By Marco Zanini, Memphis Group
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A Memphis Milano black and blue ceramic tea pot designed by Marco Zanini for Bitossi in perfect conditions. The tea pot by Marco Zanini is a stunning piece of functional art. It embo...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Terminus Floor Lamp 'US 110 Volts', by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired, Terminus floor lamp with Structure in painted sheet steel. One bulb 12V, 50W., designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin.
Martine Bedin is an industrial d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Steel
Early Martine Bedin "Super" Lamp for Memphis Milano, Postmodern 1981
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Martine Bedin
Located in London, GB
For sale an important, highly collectible and iconic piece of late 20th Century design, the wonderful "Super" Lamp, designed by Martine Bedin in 1981 and produced by the revolutionar...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Metal
Matteo Thun Memphis Milano Hors d'oeuvre Set
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A Memphis style porcelain tray set for hors d'oeuvres, designed by Matteo Thun in 1982 for the Memphis group. The set comprises the 'Manitoba' tray, 'Michigan' oil holder, 'Erie' sal...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Matteo Thun Memphis Milano Pair of 'Onega' Cocktail Cups
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A pair of white porcelain 'Onega' cocktail cups, designed by Matteo Thun in 1982 for the Memphis group.
Memphis Milano formed in the 1980s as a response to the rather formulaic de...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Santa Fe Porcelain Ceiling Lamp USA 110Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano, 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
Santa Fe Porcelain Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the Santa Fe Porcelain Ceiling Lamp with EU 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
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
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
Ettore Sottsass & Marco Zanini for Leitner Donau Collection Bed and Nightstand
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group, Marco Zanini
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
Mimosa End Table with Glass Top, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Mimosa end table in plastic laminate with glass top, designed in 1984, by Ettore Sottsass.
Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Glass, Plastic
Squash Gold Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Maria Sanchez
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
Kristall End Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano
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
Plastic, Wood
Nefertiti Teapot Matteo Thun for Memphis-Milano Original, 1980s
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Vintage original 1980s Nefertiti tea pot. Red is vintage color which is no longer production now. There is signature on bottom.
Designed by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano.
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Bertrand Cabinet by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Memphis, Milano, 1987
By Memphis Group, Massimo Iosa Ghini
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Bertrand cabinet by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Memphis, Milano, 1987. Original condition with very few blemishes. This can be used as a bar cabinet, sideboard, or general storage.
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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
Treetops Floor Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collect
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
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