Questions & Answers
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What is the difference between Memphis and Art Deco?
1 Answer

The 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 ExpertAugust 26, 2024
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Shop for Memphis Group Furniture on 1stDibs
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Milano Diva Vintage Wall Mirror, Italy, 1984
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Wall Mirrors
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Laminate, Wood
Carlton Wood Miniature Bookcase 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, originally designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass. The vivid colors and...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Plastic
Tartar Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
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 Tables
Materials
Wood
Tahiti Table Lamp 'EU VERSION 220v', by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis, Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, 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 Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Colorado Ceramic Teapot, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, 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 Tea Sets
Materials
Ceramic
Freemont Gilded Wood Console, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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 Console Tables
Materials
Wood, Plastic