Ettore Sottsas Tahiti Lamp /Memphis
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in PARIS, FR
Tahiti designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano is a table lamp made with a rotating head in polychrome enamelled metal on a plastic laminate base with black and white Bacterio...
Metal
Memphis Milano Tahiti Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Toronto, ON
Tahiti, a masterpiece by Ettore Sottsass, is an ironic lamp with a zoomorphic shape that recalls childhood games: a lamp is hidden in the head, ideal for lighting a table.
Metal
Ettore Sottsas Tahiti Memphis Milano Postmodern
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Ettore Sottsass's Tahiti lamp. Materpiece of 1980s design.
Stainless Steel
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.
Metal
Tahiti Table Lamp (US VERSION 110v), by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired 'Tahiti' Table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981.
Metal
Vintage Tahitit table lamp by Jean-Paul Emonds-Alt for Philips, 1960s
By Philips, Jean-Paul Emonds-Alt
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Cool yellow opaline model 'Tahiti' table lamp designed by Belgian designer Jean-Paul Emonds-Alt and produced by Philips.
Opaline Glass
Abstract post modern polychrome pyramid sculpture Memphis 1980, wood - Signed
Located in Paris, FR
You have to see Sottsass’s “Carlton” bookcase, which looks like an immense totem, to be believed, or even his “Tahiti” lamp, which has a surreal look, to understand the movement’s at...
Wood
Memphis Tahiti Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Austin, TX
This superbly designed and iconic table lamp by Ettore Sottsass is sure to make a statement on any contemporary desk, console, or nightstand. It features an eye-catching silhouette ...
Metal
Ettore Sottsass TAHITI Table Lamp for Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The ultimate Sottsass table light!! Anthropomorphic (looks like a parrot) as the head (w/ lamp) swivels up and down. Designed for the inaugural 1981 MEMPHIS exhibition, this ...
Metal
"Tahiti" lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Girona, Spain
A "Tahiti" lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Milano Memphis.
"Tahiti" Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, 1981
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in London, GB
For sale an important, highly collectible and iconic piece of late 20th Century design; the wonderful "Tahiti" Lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981 and produced by the Memphis G...
Metal
Tahiti lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Lampe Tahiti, Ettore Sottsass Memphis 1981
Tahiti Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Tahiti table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass. Italy, 1981.
Metal
Sold
H 27.56 in W 3.94 in D 14.97 in
Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano "Tahiti" Table Lamp, Italy 1981
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Naples, IT
The Tahiti Lamp is one of the most representative objects of the postmodern movement. This is a sculptural and playful table lamp composed of geometric shapes assembled in a seemingl...
Metal
Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
TAHITI table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass. Italy, 1981.
Metal
Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Tahiti table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass, Italy, 1981.
Metal
Tahiti Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
It perfectly captures the Memphis Group's 1980s aesthetic. Our Tahiti lamp is in excellent vintage condition and bears the Sottsass label.
Ettore Sottsass Tahiti Lamp
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ettore Sottsass, known as the godfather of "Italian cool" designed this colorful post-modern table lamp in 1981.
Metal
Ettore Sottsass for Memphis "Tahiti" Lamp
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An iconic "Tahiti" lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis.
Metal
TAHITI Table Lamp by Ettore SOTTSASS
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
TAHITI table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass. Italy, 1981.
Metal
Ettore Sottsass, Table Lamp Model "Tahiti", Milano, 1981
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007) Table lamp model tahiti Manufactured by Memphis Milano, 1981 Polychrome enameled metal Measurements 38 cm x 10 cm x 60h cm. 14.96 in x 3.93 in ...
Metal
Ettore Sottsass TAHITI Table Lamp, Bacterio Pattern, Memphis, 1981
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
Designed by Ettore Sottsass, the TAHITI is a superb table lamp which strikingly resembles the silhouette of a duck.
Metal
Table Lamp TAHITI by Ettore SOTTSASS, Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Metal construction, wooden base with laminate and head with halogen lamp, 'The Duck'. With original metal label. Reference: Fiell. 1000 Lights. 1960 to present. P. 316, illustrated....
Metal
Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
TAHITI table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass. Italy, 1981.
Metal
Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
TAHITI table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass. Italy, 1981.
Metal
Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
TAHITI table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass. Italy, 1981.
Metal
Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Tahiti table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass, Italy, 1981.
Metal
Ettore Sottsass TAHITI Lamp for Memphis 1981
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Easton, PA
Tahiti lamp designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis in 1981.
Metal
Ettore Sottsass Tahiti Lamp Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in Fuveau, Provence
Iconic Tahiti lamp by Ettore Sottsass design in 1981 for Memphis Milano.
Metal
A “Tahiti” Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis.
Located in Macclesfield, Cheshire
A “Tahiti” Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis. In the form of a bird.
Metal
A "Tahiti" Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis.
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Macclesfield, Cheshire
A "Tahiti" Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis. In the form of a bird.
Metal
Bird "Tahiti" Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, Italy
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brussels, BE
A "Tahiti" lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis. In the form of a bird.
Metal
A "Tahiti" Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis.
Located in Macclesfield, Cheshire
A "Tahiti" Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis. In the form of a bird.
Metal
A "Tahiti" Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis.
By Memphis Group
Located in Macclesfield, Cheshire
A "Tahiti" Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis. In the form of a bird.
Metal
Sold
H 23.63 in W 13.78 in D 3.94 in
Ettore Sottsass Tahiti Lamp Memphis Milano Italian, Postmodern Museum Provenance
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in London, GB
Designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano. Polychrome enameled metal with laminate base. Excellent provenance. Late 20th century piece. Purchased from a prolific ...
Metal
Table Lamp Tahiti by Ettore Sottsass
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in RHEEZERVEEN, Overijssel
Table lamp from the striking and colorful Memphis collection.
Metal
Table Lamp Tahiti- Ettore Sottsass- Memphis
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milan, IT
Lamp designed on 1981 by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis
Metal
Sold
H 63 in W 30 in D 5 in
Vintage Italian 1980s Ettore Sottsass "Tahiti" Table Lamp in Polychrome Metal
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Ettore Sottsass Italy, 1980s Vintage polychrome enameled metal “duck” with pivoting head mounted on a black and white bacterio-patterned laminate base. Austrian-born architec...
Metal
Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano "Tahiti" Lamp, 1981
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Tahiti" lamp designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano, 1981.
Tahiti Lamp by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in Denton, MD
Metal Memphis Milano identification tag on back of lamp near cord. Ettore Sottass' drawings are often playful and childlike, and the Tahiti is infused with personality that is bo...
Metal
Tahiti Table Lamp
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tahiti table light, designed by Ettore Sottsass for the inaugural 1981 Memphis exhibition. Polychrome enameled metal with pivoting head mounted on a black and white bacteriae-pattern...
Metal
Tahiti Table Lamp
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
TAHITI table light, designed by Ettore Sottsass for the inaugural 1981 MEMPHIS exhibition. Polychrome enameled metal "parrot" with pivoting head mounted on a black and white bacteri...
Metal
"Tahiti" Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The ultimate Sottsass table light!! Anthropomorphic (looks like a parrot)!! Swivels up and down. His Sottsass-designed "Bacteriae" laminate on the base! An appendage at the back in a...
Metal
"Tahiti" Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The ultimate Sottsass table light!! Anthropomorphic (looks like a parrot)!! Swivels up and down. His Sottsass-designed "Bacteriae" laminate on the base! An appendage at the...
Metal
1981, Ettore SOTTSASS, Memphis Milano, "Tahiti" Table Lamp
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful "Tahiti" Table Lamp designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981 for Memphis, Milano.
Metal
1960s Design Set of Tahiti Table Lamps for Philips
By Philips, Jean-Paul Emonds-Alt
Located in Staphorst, NL
Colorful set of table lamps Designer: Jean-Paul Emonds-Alt 1965 Manufacturer: Philips Belgium Opaline glass in different colors Two tones of green Express parcel shipment is ...
Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, DE
Tahiti table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s, Italy.
Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, DE
Tahiti table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s, Italy.
Table Lamp by Ettore SOTTSASS
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berlin, DE
TAHITI table lamp, designed by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980's.
$2,985 / item
H 29.53 in W 37.8 in D 4.73 in
Oceanic Table Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collec
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano
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 available in another listing. Michele De ...
Metal
$4,895 / item
H 76.78 in W 9.45 in D 29.53 in
Treetops Floor Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, 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 g...
Metal
$2,815 / item
H 19.69 in Dm 15.75 in
Bay Table 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, Bay table Lamp in glass, aluminum and plexiglass, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in...
Aluminum
$5,385 / item
H 13.19 in W 11.42 in D 1.97 in
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...
Metal
Ettore Sottsass "Ashoka" Table Lamp, Postmodern Design, 1981
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
ASHOKA by Ettore Sottsass, which takes its name from the emperor of the Maurya Empire, resembles an unstable stack of playful geometric forms. Though it seems “de-structured,” the la...
Metal
20th Century, Ettore Sottsass for Mirabili EAD Totem
By Ettore Sottsass, Mirabili
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Ettore Sottsass grew up in Turin, and graduated in architecture from the Turin Polytechnic in 1939. In 1947, he founded his own studio in Milan. In 1956, Sottsass moved to New York w...
Ceramic
Venini Kiritam Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Kiritam table lamp by Ettore Sottsass. Numbered Edition for year Marble Base Color: Milk-White/Aquamarine Measurements: Ø 15.35"" H 18.89"" 1 x max E27 10W LED + 3 x ma...
Glass
Venini Darpanah Table Lamp by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Venini Darpanah table lamp by Ettore Sottsass. Numbered Edition for year Year of Manufacture: 1994-2017 Metal White Painted Color: Milk-White/Sapphire/Pink Measurements: Ø 12....
Blown Glass
$2,985 / item
H 29.53 in W 37.8 in D 4.73 in
Oceanic Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Michele De Lucchi from Memphis, Milano
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU wired, oceanic table lamp made in metal and glass, designed in 1981, by Michele De Lucchi. US version 110v also available in another listing. Michele De Lu...
Metal
$257
H 6.7 in W 7.88 in D 3.94 in
Ikea Wall Lamp in style of Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Italy, 1980s
By IKEA, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Praha, CZ
- iconic type - very nice style of lighting - marked by label
Metal
$3,229
H 76.78 in W 29.53 in D 9.45 in
Ettore Sottsass Treetops Multicolored Metal Floor Lamp, Memphis Milano, 1981
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Madrid, ES
Ettore Sottsass – Treetops Lamp, Memphis Milano, 1981 Painted metal with cast iron base. Certificate of authenticity included. Measurements: W 75 × D 24 × H 195 cm The Treetops Lamp...
Metal
Post Modern Desk Lamp by Ron Rezek, ca. 1980's
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in New York, NY
Chic 1980's desk lamp by Ron Rezek, in excellent original, clean and working condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. The hood shade (6.5 in. diam...
Metal
$16,575
H 84.65 in W 23.63 in D 6.7 in
Cavalieri Floor Lamp EU 220 V. by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Cavalieri Floor Lamp EU Wiring 220 V. in Wood and Plastic Laminate by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection Additional Information: Floor lamp in wood and plastic laminat...
Plastic
$4,895 / item
H 76.78 in W 9.45 in D 29.53 in
Treetops Floor Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collect
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
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 gradu...
Metal
Michele de Lucchi Oceanic Memphis Milano Postmodern
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Michele de Lucchi's oceanic lamp. Materpiece of 1980s design.
Stainless Steel
$1,800
H 19.3 in W 18.7 in D 3.2 in
Memphis Milano Carlton Miniature, Limited Edition by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Toronto, ON
Perfect 1:4 scale reproduction of the Carlton bookcase in a limited edition of 1000 pieces. About Carlton: An absolute icon of Memphis designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1981, Carlton ...
Laminate, Wood
Ettore Sottsass Memphis Milano Diva Vintage Wall Mirror, Italy, 1984
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, 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...
Glass, Mirror, Laminate, Wood
Hand crafted table lamp by Norwegian artist Jossolini.
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Unique ceramic table lamp by Norwegian artist Jossolini, aka Johanne Birkeland. The lamp is built and decorated by hand. This is a slow process and a slow craft. After the form is b...
Ceramic
'Serving Tray' by Joseph Ellwood for Six Dots Design
Located in London, GB
Joseph Ellwood is a British designer and maker, he has been named one of 10 'Future Icons' in design by Wallpaper* magazine, collaborated with the luxury brand Rimowa and embarked on...
Aluminum
Cubosfera glass table lamp by Alessandro Mendini, Italy, 1968
By Alessandro Mendini
Located in Argelato, BO
"Cubosfera" table lamp designed by the Italian architect and designer Alessandro Mendini and created by Fidenza Vetraria. Italy, 1968 This is one of Alessandro Mendini's most iconic...
Glass
Squash Purple Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Maria Sanchez, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Squash Purple Ashtray in ceramic was originally designed in 1985 by Maria Sanchez for Memphis Milano. The Squash ashtray is one of the smallest objects in the Memphis Milano coll...
Ceramic
Up, Up and Away: Large Vintage Hot Air Ballon Chandelier, 58" H
Located in New York, NY
A whimsical and finely crafted vintage chandelier modeled in the form of a hot air balloon, constructed of patinated metal with an openwork wire frame forming the balloon canopy abov...
Metal
Pedro Friedeberg Gold Leaf Dining/Center Table
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Pedro Friedeberg Gold Leaf Table An earlier well carved example Signed under foot Provenance:Bonhams 1/9/24 Surrealistic Treasures: The Urban S.Hirsch iii Collection Lot 570
Wood
$980 / item
H 3.55 in W 15.75 in D 14.57 in
Parana Ceramic Fruit Bowl, by Masanori Umeda from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Masanori Umeda, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Trigonal ceramic fruit bowl in pastel colors was originally designed by Masanori Umeda in 1983 for Memphis Milano. Was born in 1941 at Kanagawa in Japan. He obtained his diploma fro...
Ceramic
$1,739
H 12.6 in W 3.94 in D 2.37 in
Gio Ponti Silver Metal Sculpture Model Hand 5 Fingers for Sabattini, Italy
By Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Silver metal model hand 5 fingers designed by Gio Ponti for Sabattini in 1978. Signed. Biography Architect, designer and artist, Gio Ponti (Milan 1891-1979) graduated in Milan in 19...
Metal
30 Pasifila Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
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 ...
Glass
Pair of "Garden Egg" Epoxy Chairs by Peter Ghyczy
By Peter Ghyczy
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare pair of Garden Egg chairs in original condition, including original cloth upholstery. The Garden Egg chair was designed by the Hungarian émigré Peter Ghyczy 1968, who started ...
Epoxy Resin
$15,075
H 31.11 in W 76.38 in D 42.13 in
Ettore Sottsass Flying Carpet Armchair by Bedding Brevetti 1970s Italy
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Cascina, Pisa
The Flying Carpet or Tappeto Volante armchair is an iconic seat with a base and an armrest in beech wood, the seat, and the back are made with polyurethane foam padding with multicol...
Fabric, Wood, Velvet
Salvador Dali, Contemporary, Red Dali Lips Sofa for BD
By Salvador Dalí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Dalilips designed by Salvador Dali for BD design. Two-seat sofa made of polyethylene with rotational moulding process. Color red. Measures: 100 x 170 x 73 H cm. Is the famou...
Plastic
Fauna Froggy Amber Brass Table Lamp
Located in Firenze, FI
This table lamp belongs to the Fauna line of the Eclectic collection, it has a small brass casted figure of a froggy on a double level rectangular base and an amber brass finish. The...
Brass
Archive for Space 'Bench 001' - UK, 2024
By Archive for Space
Located in London, GB
This distinctive bench in aluminium was designed exclusively for Béton Brut by Archive for Space. An exercise in imaginative modern metalwork, it is made from a single sheet of unsea...
Aluminum
Soshun Flower Stools by Masanori Umeda for Edra, Italy, 1990s
By Edra, Masanori Umeda
Located in Antwerp, BE
Striking 'Soshun' flower stools by Masanori Umeda for Edra, Italy, 1990s. Designed as sculptural blossoms, each stool features a velvet seat in deep crimson, evoking the softness and...
Metal
An architect, industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, Ettore Sottsass led a revolution in the aesthetics and technology of modern design in the late 20th century. He was a wild man of the Radical Design movement that swept Italy in the late 1960s and ’70s, rejecting rationalism and modernism in favor of ever-more outrageous imaginings in lighting and furniture such as mirrors, lamps, chairs and tables.
Sottsass was the oldest member of the Memphis Group — a design collective, formed in Milan in 1980, whose irreverent, spirited members included Alessandro Mendini, Michele de Lucchi, Michael Graves and Shiro Kuramata. All had grown disillusioned by the staid, black-and-brown “corporatized” modernism that had become endemic in the 1970s. Memphis (the name stemmed from the title of a Bob Dylan song) countered with bold, brash, colorful, yet quirkily minimal designs for furniture, glassware, ceramics and metalwork.
The Memphis Group mocked high-status by building furniture with inexpensive materials such as plastic laminates, decorated to resemble exotic finishes such as animal skins. Their work was both functional and — as intended — shocking.
Even as it preceded the Memphis Group's formal launch, Sottsass's iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell and radical pops of pink neon — embodies many of the collective's postmodern ideals.
Sottsass created innovative furnishings for the likes of Artemide, Knoll, Zanotta and Poltronova, where he reigned as artistic director for nearly two decades beginning in 1958. His most-recognized designs appeared in the first Memphis collection, issued in 1981 — notably the multihued, angular Carlton room divider and Casablanca bookcase. As pieces on 1stDibs demonstrate, however, Sottsass is at his most inspired and expressive in smaller, secondary furnishings such as lamps and chandeliers, and in table pieces and glassware that have playful and sculptural qualities.
Sottsass left the Memphis Group in 1985 in order to concentrate on the growth of Sottsass Associati, a design and architecture consultancy he cofounded in 1980.
It was as an artist that Sottsass was celebrated in his life, in exhibitions at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, in 2006, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art a year later. Even then Sottsass’s work prompted critical debate. And for a man whose greatest pleasure was in astonishing, delighting and ruffling feathers, perhaps there was no greater accolade. That the work remains so revolutionary and bold — that it breaks with convention so sharply it will never be considered mainstream — is a testament to his genius.
Find Ettore Sottsass lighting, decorative objects and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Antique table lamps became a category of their own once electricity moved light off the wall and onto furniture. The form split quickly: task-driven designs like the Anglepoise on one side, decorative ceramic and glass on the other.
Styles to Know
Base material shapes the light as much as the shade does: ceramic and glass diffuse a softer glow, while brass and metal read more directional. Layer the look with a mid-century modern floor lamp for ambient light, or set a pair on a mid-century modern nightstand for a bedroom.
How to Choose the Right Vintage Table Lamp
Buying individually rather than as a pair allows more flexibility when mixing eras across a room. For those shopping by name rather than by shape, the history of the Anglepoise lamp is worth a read. Each piece comes from a vetted 1stDibs seller, with era, designer and condition detailed, and the 1stDibs Promise stands behind every purchase.