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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
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 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

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

Carlton Wood Miniature Bookcase by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, 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

Flamingo Bedside Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
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

Diva Mirror, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Diva Mirror with plastic laminate, was originally designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Plastic

Tahiti Table Lamp (US VERSION 110v), by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
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

Santa Fe Porcelain Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for 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 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

Carrot Flower Vase, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano
By Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
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

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

Titicaca Porcelain Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
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

Squash Yellow Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Maria Sanchez, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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

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

Martine Bedin 1st Edition Super Lamp, Memphis Milano, Postmodern, Italy, 1980s
By Martine Bedin, Memphis Group
Located in Vienna, AT
Early first edition postmodern Super lamp, designed by Martine Bedin in 1981 for Memphis Group. To use a rolling table or floor lamp. From the first edition...
Category

1980s Italian Memphis Group Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Santa Fe Porcelain Ceiling Lamp USA 110Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
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

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 Sot...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Oceanic Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Michele De Lucchi from Memphis, Milano
By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Hyatt Metal and Wood Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Hyatt table designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1984 for Memphis, in metal and laminated wood. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he gradu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Holebid Briar Coffee Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Holebid coffee table in briar and plastic laminate, is designed in 1984 by Ettore Sottsass. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 1939 he graduated in architecture at th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Wood, Plastic

Suvretta Plastic Bookcase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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

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

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

Tahiti Table Lamp 'EU VERSION 220v', by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis, Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
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

Hollywood Steel Coffee Table, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection
By Peter Shire, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Hollywood laminated and lacquered steel coffee table, designed in 1983 by Peter Shire. Peter Shire is a Los Angeles artist. Shire was born in the Echo Park district of Los Angel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

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

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 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

California Woolen Carpet by Nathalie Du Pasquier from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The California hand woven wool carpet was originally designed in 1983 by Nathalie Du Pasquier for Memphis Milano. Nathalie du Pasquier was born in Bordeaux, France, in 1957. She has lived and worked in Milano since 1979. Until 1986 she worked as a designer and was a founder member of Memphis for which she designed many textiles, carpets, furniture and objects. When the group broke up in 87, painting became her main activity. 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, 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 98.5, D 70.25 inches - Materials: Wool - Pricing: Prices do not include VAT. - Purchased products are shipped with forms of authenticity by Memphis Milano. Carpets and Rugs as well, contain a sewed on...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Potato Ceramic Tray, by George Sowden from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, George Sowden, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Potato Ceramic tray with metal handles, was originally designed in 1985 by George Sowden for Memphis Milano. Red and white porcelain for a roun...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Rossella Metal Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano C.
By Memphis Group, Marco Zanini, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The lacquered metal Rossella Ceiling Lamp, with EU wiring accessibility, was designed by Marco Zanini in 1985 for Memphis Milano. Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Memphis, Barbara Radice 1984 First Edition
By Ettore Sottsass, Barbara Radice, Memphis Group
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

Terminus Floor Lamp 'US 110 Volts', by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Martine Bedin
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

1980s Marco Zanini for Bitossi Memphis Milano Black and Blue Ceramic Teapot
By Memphis Group, Marco Zanini
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

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 Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, 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

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

Matteo Thun Memphis Milano Pair of 'Onega' Cocktail Cups
By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
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

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

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

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp with US wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The ceiling lamp-shade is in ceramic, and lamp's bulb is not included....
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

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano Coll.
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp with EU wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The ceiling lamp-shade is in ceramic, and lamp's bulb is not included....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

Nathalie du Pasquier Royal Chaise for Memphis Srl
By Memphis Group
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Famed MEMPHIS Chaise/Couch by the brilliant Nathalie Du Pasquier (France) from the amazing 1983 MEMPHIS Collection. Upholstered in her revered "CERCHIO" ("Circles") textile w/ armre...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Laminate, Fabric

Nilo Vase, Designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for the Collection Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in Beirut, LB
The Nilo vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1983 for Memphis Milano 1981-1988. A classic by Sottsass, the Nilo porcelain vase is part of thre...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Michele de Lucchi Burgundy Writing Dining Table For Memphis Milano Italy, 1985
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi
Located in Vienna, AT
Iconic dining table, laminated wood and steel, Michele de Lucchi 'Burgundy' table Memphis Italy, 1985. Dimensions are: 61" x 41.3" x 28.74" (height). Rare dining- or office table d...
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

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

Carlton Wood Room Divider, 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 and room divider, originally designed in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass. The...
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 Milano, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group
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

Squash Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Maria Sanchez, Memphis Group
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

Big Sur Wooden Couch, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collection
By Peter Shire, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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

Polar Side Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi
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

Terminus Floor Lamp 'EU 220 Volts', by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Martine Bedin
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Steel

Broccoli Fruit Bowl, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Marco Zanini, Memphis Milano
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

Ladoga White Porcelain Cocktail Glass, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Ladoga vase or goblet, was originally designed by Matteo Thun for Memphis in 1982, and it takes its name from the biggest European lake. Decorated in white porcelain, a complex s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Palace Wood Chair, by George Sowden for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, George Sowden, Memphis Milano
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

Nefertiti Teapot Matteo Thun for Memphis-Milano Original, 1980s
By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
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

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.
Questions About Memphis Group Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    The 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 22, 2022
    Numerous 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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 15, 2024
    The 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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, 2022
    The 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.

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