Skip to main content

Masanori Umeda Seating

Japanese, b. 1941

From his cheerful Getsuen Lily chair to his provocative Ginza robot cabinet, Masanori Umeda’s furniture designs are often described by critics and collectors alike as poetic, ironic and full of whimsy. 

Umeda was born in 1941 in Kanagawa, graduating from Tokyo’s Kuwasawa Design School in 1962. In 1967, he moved to Milan, Italy, where he began his design career working in the studio of Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. From 1970 to 1979, Umeda was a design consultant for the Olivetti studio, and there he met prolific furniture designer and architect Ettore Sottsass, who founded the Memphis Group, Italy's boldest, brashest postmodern design movement.

In the early 1980s, Umeda joined Memphis, creating his most famous piece, the Tawayara boxing ring seating unit in 1981. Comprising a monochrome, Tatami matte floor, tie-dyed cushions, bungee-style ropes and flexible lighting at each of the four corners, the Tawayara was Umeda’s homage to space-constrained Japanese living areas. It remains one of Umeda’s rarest pieces (only 30 were ever made). Fashion designer and icon Karl Lagerfeld once owned a Tawayara boxing ring that featured prominently in his Monaco apartment.

In 1986, Umeda returned to Japan and opened his U-MetaDesign Studio (now Umeda Design Studio Inc.) in Tokyo, garnering accolades for his uniquely lighthearted collection of armchairs, lounge chairs, table lamps and decorative objects.

Over the course of his career, Umeda has won several awards, including the BraunPrize in 1968, the Grand Prix of Japan Display Design Award in 1981, the Japan Commercial Space Design Award in 1984 and the Grand Prix of Good Design Award in 1990.

Umeda continues to design furnishings that embody the spirit of postmodernism, enjoying collaborations with Memphis Milano and Italian furniture manufacturer Edra. His pieces have been exhibited internationally and are held in the collections of museums around the world, including the M+ Museum in Hong Kong, which acquired more than 180 of his works in 2015. 

On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Masanori Umeda seating, lighting and serveware.

to
3
1
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
3
3
1
1
1
4
4
4
2
4
6
1,641
1,193
1,134
927
Creator: Masanori Umeda
TAWARAYA "Boxing Ring" Seating Pod by Masanori Umed, Memphis Design, Japan, 1983
TAWARAYA "Boxing Ring" Seating Pod by Masanori Umed, Memphis Design, Japan, 1983

TAWARAYA "Boxing Ring" Seating Pod by Masanori Umed, Memphis Design, Japan, 1983

By Masanori Umeda

Located in Tinton Falls, NJ

The TAWARAYA Ring by Masanori Umeda for MEMPHIS srl is one of that design movements most famous & critically-discussed pieces from the inaugural MEMP...

Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Soshun Flower Stools by Masanori Umeda for Edra, Italy, 1990s
Soshun Flower Stools by Masanori Umeda for Edra, Italy, 1990s

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...

Category

1990s Italian Space Age Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal

"Tawaraya Ring" Daybed or Boxing Ring by Masanori Umeda for Memphis Milano
"Tawaraya Ring" Daybed or Boxing Ring by Masanori Umeda for Memphis Milano

"Tawaraya Ring" Daybed or Boxing Ring by Masanori Umeda for Memphis Milano

By Masanori Umeda, Memphis Milano

Located in Varedo, MB

Designed by Masanori Umeda for Memphis Milano, the monumental Tawaraya Ring (1981) stands among the most celebrated, radical, and recognizable masterpieces in the history of design. ...

Category

2010s Italian Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal

"Tawaraya Ring 2x2" Daybed or Boxing Ring by Masanori Umeda for Memphis Milano
"Tawaraya Ring 2x2" Daybed or Boxing Ring by Masanori Umeda for Memphis Milano

"Tawaraya Ring 2x2" Daybed or Boxing Ring by Masanori Umeda for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Milano, Masanori Umeda

Located in Varedo, MB

Designed by Masanori Umeda for Memphis Milano, Tawaraya Ring 2×2 stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of radical Italian design. Beyond its avant-garde aesthetic a...

Category

2010s Italian Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal

Related Items
Seating as Minimalist Sculpture, 4 Elements by Uredat, 1969, Mohair Upholstery
Seating as Minimalist Sculpture, 4 Elements by Uredat, 1969, Mohair Upholstery

Seating as Minimalist Sculpture, 4 Elements by Uredat, 1969, Mohair Upholstery

$22,400Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 23.63 in W 43.31 in D 27.56 in

Seating as Minimalist Sculpture, 4 Elements by Uredat, 1969, Mohair Upholstery

By Klaus Uredat, COR

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Amazing, museum quality, modular 'CORBI' seating set, composed of four elements, designed by Klaus Uredat for 'COR', Germany, 1969 complete with the original purchase invoice dated 1972. After receiving many requests to do so, we have carefully unpicked and removed the original custom order pop art upholstery and have now recovered the set in a more neutral, high quality mohair upholstery. A rare, beautiful and highly sculptural pure elemental design, the large dimensions of each .Corbi' seating element allow for them to be used equally as either individual lounge chairs or as a modular sofa. This particular set is a must for serious collectors, this set comes complete with the original German purchase invoice from 1972, which also confirms the additional expense of the custom order upholstery, we have carefully unpicked and kept the original upholstery fabric should the buyer wish to retain it for provenance (please see photos 14 and 15 which illustrate the set with it's original upholstery). The sculptural 'Corbi' modular lounge chair was designed in 1969 and only remained in limited scale production for a few years up to circa 1974. Today this super elegant design is both very popular and now extremely difficult to find due to the passage of time and the limited total production numbers so a large set of elements such as this, is really a rare opportunity. Each 'Corbi' element is composed of two independent Minimalist sculptural forms, one base element and one cylindrical seat back. With the base elements positioned end to end, day beds may...

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Foam, Wood, Mohair

Mid-Century Sofa or Daybed Designed by Miroslav Navrátil, 1960's
Mid-Century Sofa or Daybed Designed by Miroslav Navrátil, 1960's

Mid-Century Sofa or Daybed Designed by Miroslav Navrátil, 1960's

By Miroslav Navratil

Located in Praha, CZ

Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood Dimensions at layout: Height:41cm, depth:84cm, width:186cm Original condition.

Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Four Beech Jamaica Bar Stools by Pepe Cortés, 1990s
Set of Four Beech Jamaica Bar Stools by Pepe Cortés, 1990s

Set of Four Beech Jamaica Bar Stools by Pepe Cortés, 1990s

$2,359 / set

H 32.29 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in

Set of Four Beech Jamaica Bar Stools by Pepe Cortés, 1990s

By Pepe Cortés

Located in Praha, CZ

Rare set of 4 "Jamaica" wooden bar stools designed by Pepe Cortés and made by BD Barcelona. The ergonomic seat in the shape of a saddle is made of solid lacquered beech and is swivel...

Category

1990s Spanish Organic Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Chrome

Saba Pixel Large Seating Pouf in Extra Kami A1 Upholstery by Sergio Bicego
Saba Pixel Large Seating Pouf in Extra Kami A1 Upholstery by Sergio Bicego

Saba Pixel Large Seating Pouf in Extra Kami A1 Upholstery by Sergio Bicego

By Sergio Bicego

Located in Brooklyn, NY

From the creativity of Sergio Bicego comes Pixel sofa, featuring a series of elements that can be freely combined, thanks to an exclusive connector created ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of 'BENJAMIN' Stools by Lisa Norinder for IKEA, 1990's
Pair of 'BENJAMIN' Stools by Lisa Norinder for IKEA, 1990's

Pair of 'BENJAMIN' Stools by Lisa Norinder for IKEA, 1990's

$320Sale Price|26% Off

H 17.72 in W 19.69 in D 16.54 in

Pair of 'BENJAMIN' Stools by Lisa Norinder for IKEA, 1990's

By IKEA

Located in Bern, CH

Pair of IKEA Benjamin plywood stools designed by Lisa Noringer, 1990's. Made of plywood. Stackable and can be used either as a stool or side table. Modern iconic designs from Ikea. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Plywood

Mid-Century Inspired Daybed or Couch in Cherry by Boyd & Allister
Mid-Century Inspired Daybed or Couch in Cherry by Boyd & Allister

Mid-Century Inspired Daybed or Couch in Cherry by Boyd & Allister

By Boyd & Allister

Located in Santa Fe, NM

This mid-century inspired daybed / couch in cherry was originally designed as a guest bed for a little person but it has since been built for a variety of homes and projects. It is i...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Cherry

Pair of 'Benjamin' Stools by Lisa Norinder for IKEA, 1990's
Pair of 'Benjamin' Stools by Lisa Norinder for IKEA, 1990's

Pair of 'Benjamin' Stools by Lisa Norinder for IKEA, 1990's

$320Sale Price|26% Off

H 17.72 in W 19.69 in D 16.54 in

Pair of 'Benjamin' Stools by Lisa Norinder for IKEA, 1990's

By IKEA

Located in Bern, CH

Pair of IKEA Benjamin plywood stools designed by Lisa Noringer, 1990's. Made of plywood. Stackable and can be used either as a stool or side table. Modern iconic designs from Ikea. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Plywood

Bronze and Leather Daybed or Bench by Nicos Zographos
Bronze and Leather Daybed or Bench by Nicos Zographos

Bronze and Leather Daybed or Bench by Nicos Zographos

By Nicos Zographos

Located in Atlanta, GA

Bronze and caramel color leather daybed or bench, designed by Nicos Zographos, American, circa 1960s. Retains warm original patina to the bronze.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Martin Visser SZ13 Three-Piece Leather Sectional Seating Group
Martin Visser SZ13 Three-Piece Leather Sectional Seating Group

Martin Visser SZ13 Three-Piece Leather Sectional Seating Group

By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Produced by Dutch manufacturer 't Spectrum, the SZ13 seating system by Martin Visser pairs tubular chrome frames with thick sling-style leather seats and backrests. The three-piece g...

Category

1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Chrome

"Riga" Daybed by Eleonore Peduzzi Riva for Busnelli
"Riga" Daybed by Eleonore Peduzzi Riva for Busnelli

"Riga" Daybed by Eleonore Peduzzi Riva for Busnelli

$2,940

H 16.54 in W 71.66 in D 30.71 in

"Riga" Daybed by Eleonore Peduzzi Riva for Busnelli

By Busnelli, Eleonore Peduzzi Riva

Located in Milan, IT

"Riga" daybed by Eleonore Peduzzi Riva for Busnelli Sturdy metal frame with adjustable sections supporting a generous leather padded base with cushion. Side movable integrated tray. ...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal

Daybed 'Cleopatra' by Dick Cordemeijer for Auping, 1950
Daybed 'Cleopatra' by Dick Cordemeijer for Auping, 1950

Daybed 'Cleopatra' by Dick Cordemeijer for Auping, 1950

By Dick Cordemeijer, Auping

Located in Los Angeles, CA

wonderful daybed designed by Dick Cordemeijer in Netherlands, 1954, the black powder coated metal frame is capped by teak wood on either end, the mattress and headrest have been newl...

Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal

1960s Cleopatra Daybed by Cordemeijer for Royal Auping
1960s Cleopatra Daybed by Cordemeijer for Royal Auping

1960s Cleopatra Daybed by Cordemeijer for Royal Auping

By Auping, A.R. Cordemeijer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Cleopatra narrow daybed by A.R. Cordemeijer for Royal Auping features a bone white painted enameled metal frame with gently rounded corners and four splayed painted wood legs in ...

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items
Pair of Rose lounge chairs by Masanori Umeda for Edra, Italy, 1990
Pair of Rose lounge chairs by Masanori Umeda for Edra, Italy, 1990

Pair of Rose lounge chairs by Masanori Umeda for Edra, Italy, 1990

By Masanori Umeda, Edra

Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE

A striking and highly collectible pair of ‘Rose’ lounge chairs designed by Japanese designer Masanori Umeda for Edra, Italy, in 1990. Conceived as functional sculptures rather than c...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Masanori Umeda for Edra Getsuen Lily Chair
Masanori Umeda for Edra Getsuen Lily Chair

Masanori Umeda for Edra Getsuen Lily Chair

Sold

H 35 in W 39 in D 32.5 in

Masanori Umeda for Edra Getsuen Lily Chair

By Masanori Umeda, Edra

Located in Astoria, NY

Masanori Umeda for Edra Getsuen Lily Chair, with red velvet upholstery, Edra label to reverse. 35" H x 39" W x 32.5" D; seat: 17.5" H. Provenance: From a ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Post-Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet

Getsuen "Lily" Chair by EDRA in Red velvet by Masanori Umeda
Getsuen "Lily" Chair by EDRA in Red velvet by Masanori Umeda

Getsuen "Lily" Chair by EDRA in Red velvet by Masanori Umeda

By Masanori Umeda, Edra

Located in Rhinebeck, NY

Lily-shaped armchair, delicate in appearance, but concealing a solid hand-shaped steel structure. High technology combined with skilled craftsmanship. Getsuen “Lily” Chair...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Velvet

Getsuen, Lilly Chair, Designed by Masanori Umeda, Edra Italy
Getsuen, Lilly Chair, Designed by Masanori Umeda, Edra Italy

Getsuen, Lilly Chair, Designed by Masanori Umeda, Edra Italy

By Edra, Masanori Umeda

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A reupholstered iconic and whimsical sculptural lounge chair designed by Masanori Umeda for Edra, Italy, circa 1990. Aptly named Getsuen—which means “Moon Flower” in Japanese—this st...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Steel

Early 90's Production Getsuen & Rose Lounge Chairs Masanori Umeda for Edra Italy
Early 90's Production Getsuen & Rose Lounge Chairs Masanori Umeda for Edra Italy

Early 90's Production Getsuen & Rose Lounge Chairs Masanori Umeda for Edra Italy

By Edra, Masanori Umeda

Located in bergen op zoom, NL

Pair of early 1990's production Getsuen & Rose Flower lounge chairs by Japanese designer Masanori Umeda for Edra Italy 1990 Very rare to find 2 early production examples now combine...

Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Getsuen Chair by Masanori Umeda for Edra Italy 1990
Getsuen Chair by Masanori Umeda for Edra Italy 1990

Getsuen Chair by Masanori Umeda for Edra Italy 1990

Sold

H 35.44 in W 39.38 in D 35.44 in

Getsuen Chair by Masanori Umeda for Edra Italy 1990

By Edra, Masanori Umeda

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Outstanding example of Memphis design this rare easy chair model Getsuen, lily-shaped was designed by Masanori Umeda. Manufactured by Edra, Italy, circa 1990. Early edition. Solid s...

Category

1990s Italian Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Steel

Vintage Rose Petal Chair by Masanori Umeda for Edra
Vintage Rose Petal Chair by Masanori Umeda for Edra

Vintage Rose Petal Chair by Masanori Umeda for Edra

By Masanori Umeda, Edra

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Featuring equal parts quirky Japanese design and elegant Italian craftsmanship, the Rose Chair, designed by Masanori Umeda for Edra is sure to make a lasting impression in any space....

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal, Steel, Chrome

Rare Masanori Umeda Getsuen Lily Red Easy Chair by Edra, circa 1990
Rare Masanori Umeda Getsuen Lily Red Easy Chair by Edra, circa 1990

Rare Masanori Umeda Getsuen Lily Red Easy Chair by Edra, circa 1990

By Masanori Umeda, Edra

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Rare easy chair model Getsuen ‘Lily’ designed by Masanori Umeda. Manufactured by Edra, circa 1990. Original upholstery. In original condition with mi...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Original “Getsuen” Lounge Chair by Masanori Umeda Produced by Edra Italy C.1990
Original “Getsuen” Lounge Chair by Masanori Umeda Produced by Edra Italy C.1990

Original “Getsuen” Lounge Chair by Masanori Umeda Produced by Edra Italy C.1990

By Masanori Umeda, Edra

Located in Renens, CH

The Getsuen or Lily chaise longue was designed by Japanese designer Masanori Umeda in the 1990s. He worked in Italy in collaboration with the company Edra, which specialises in the...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal

Original “Getsuen” Lounge Chair by Masanori Umeda Produced by Edra Italy C.1990
Original “Getsuen” Lounge Chair by Masanori Umeda Produced by Edra Italy C.1990

Original “Getsuen” Lounge Chair by Masanori Umeda Produced by Edra Italy C.1990

By Masanori Umeda, Edra

Located in Renens, CH

The Getsuen or Lily chaise longue was designed by Japanese designer Masanori Umeda in the 1990s. He worked in Italy in collaboration with the company Edra, which specialises in the...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal

Original “Getsuen” Lounge Chair by Masanori Umeda Produced by Edra Italy C.1990
Original “Getsuen” Lounge Chair by Masanori Umeda Produced by Edra Italy C.1990

Original “Getsuen” Lounge Chair by Masanori Umeda Produced by Edra Italy C.1990

By Masanori Umeda, Edra

Located in Renens, CH

The Getsuen or Lily lounge chair was designed by Japanese designer Masanori Umeda during the 1990s. Masanori Umeda has worked together with Ettore Sottsass during the 1980s at Ol...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal

Blue Set of Two Lounge Flower Chairs Designed by Masonaria Umeda
Blue Set of Two Lounge Flower Chairs Designed by Masonaria Umeda

Blue Set of Two Lounge Flower Chairs Designed by Masonaria Umeda

By Edra, Masanori Umeda

Located in Antwerp, BE

Getsuen Iconic armchair by Masonari Umeda, a Japanese designer who had worked in Italy in collaboration with the company Edra specializing in the design of new inventive fabrics and sculptural forms in chairs. The flower shape and the use of internal and external materials are stunning in a beautiful intense blue. Suitable for any type of office or living room. The Getsuen chairs...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Masanori Umeda Seating

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Masanori Umeda seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Masanori Umeda seating 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 Masanori Umeda seating, although red editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Masanori Umeda were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Meritalia, Brunati, and Nicoletti Salotti. Prices for Masanori Umeda seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,447 and can go as high as $45,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,961.