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.
Rigel Glass Bowl, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini, Memphis Group
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...
Glass
Set of 8 Bodum Postmodern Napkin Rings by Jumi Chan & Nathalie Du Pasquier
By Memphis Milano, Bodum, Ajumi Han, Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Striking set of 8 postmodern (two of each patten) napkin rings created for Bodum by Memphis-affiliated designers Nathalie Du Pasquier and Jumi Chan. These sculptural table accessorie...
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
Squash Light Blue Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Maria Sanchez, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Squash Light Blue Ashtray in ceramic was originally designed in 1985 by Maria Sanchez for Memphis Milano. The Squash ashtray is one of the smallest ...
Ceramic
Murmansk Silver Plated Brass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Murmansk Fruit Bowl in Brass with plated Silver. The "Murmansk" is a fruit bowl is one of the first designs produced by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis in 1982. The sleek bowl is plated silver over brass, and sitting on six stepped legs...
Brass, Silver
Squash Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Maria Sanchez, Memphis Milano, 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...
Ceramic
Broccoli Fruit Bowl, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Marco Zanini
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...
Ceramic
Squash Purple Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Maria Sanchez, 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 obje...
Ceramic
Murano Glass Catchall by Luigi Serafini for Memphis Extra, 1980s
By Memphis Group, Luigi Serafini
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Discover this stunning Murano Glass Catchall, designed by Luigi Serafini for Memphis Extra in the 1980s. This piece is signed by the artist, with the signature elegantly engraved on ...
Murano Glass
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...
Ceramic
Colorado Ceramic Teapot, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Marco Zanini, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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 ...
Ceramic
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
Indivia Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Indivia ceramic dinner plate was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass, in 1985, as part of a series of decorative plates. The playful names of the design items are a reminder o...
Ceramic
Squash Gold Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, 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...
Ceramic
Tomato Ceramic Serving Platter, by Michele De Lucchi from Memphis Milano
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Tomato Serving platter was originally designed in 1985 by Michele De Lucchi in ceramic, for Memphis Milano. Here we are offering this item by Memphis Group themselves. Michele De L...
Ceramic
K. SHIGETO 1980 Memphis Design Modernist Zojirushi Coffee-Tea Pot Carafe In
By Memphis Group
Located in Miami, FL
A Memphis Zojirushi coffee-pot designed by K. Shigeto. This is a beautiful vintage coffee-tea pot server created in Japan during the Memphis period, back in 1980. This Zojirushi- Ja...
Plastic
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 ...
Porcelain
Cauliflower Fruit Bowl, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Cauliflower ceramic fruit bowl was originally designed in 1985 for Memphis Milano by the ingenious pattern designer of the Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier. Enthusiastic, expl...
Ceramic
Rucola Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Rucola ceramic dinner plate was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass, in 1985, as part of a series of decorative plates. The playful names of the design items are a reminder of...
Ceramic
1980s Memphis Milano Black and Blue Ceramic Teapot by Marco Zanini for Bitossi
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...
Ceramic
Manitoba White Porcelain Tray, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Tray in white porcelain. The Manitoba tray was originally designed in 1982 by Matteo Thun, and belongs to the Memphis Milano Collection 1981-1988. The white porcelain tray...
Porcelain
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 ...
Glass
Labrador Brass-Plated Silver Sauce-Boat, by Andrea Branzi from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Andrea Branzi
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Labrador sauce-boat was originally designed by Andrea Branzi in 1982. This piece is featured in brass with plated silver 925, or in solid 925 silver. Prices may vary for the soli...
Brass, Silver
Celery Serving Plate, by Michele De Lucchi from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Celery serving plate was originally designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1985. 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, Germany, Switzerland and 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...
Ceramic
$1,060 / item
Chad Teapot, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Chad teapot was originally designed by Matteo Thun for Memphis, in 1982. The decorated white porcelain pot's shape is more interested in its fo...
Porcelain
Sol Glass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, 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...
Glass
Onega White Porcelain Cup, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The kitchen took a new revolutionary appeal when Matteo Thun designed its series of white decorated porcelains for Memphis Milano. The rite of the quickie espresso changed forever wi...
Porcelain
Lettuce White Ceramic Dinner Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Lettuce ceramic dinner plate was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass, in 1985, as part of a series of decorative plates. The playful names of th...
Ceramic
Kariba Fruit Bowl, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Kariba fruit bowl was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982 for Memphis. Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Oskar Kokoschka at the Salzburg Academy of A...
Porcelain
Ladoga White Porcelain Cocktail Glass, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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...
Porcelain
Travertine Eclipse Bowl XL
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls are a study in sculptural simplicity. This beige Travertine Eclipse Bowl XL is stun...
Travertine
Silver Travertine Narrow Bowl
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite silver travertine NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious travertine natural stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to...
Travertine
Onyx Narrow Bowl
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite Onyx NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious onyx stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to timeless beauty and sophis...
Marble
Travertine Narrow Bowl
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Stunning, esthetic and timeless are words that can be used to describe the elegant and modern travertine NARROW bowl. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine bowls are ...
Travertine
$1,393
H 2.96 in Dm 10.83 in
Antonio da Ros (attr.) for Cenedese Large Cobalt Blue Colored Murano Glass Bowl
By Cenedese, Antonio da Ros
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Large cobalt blue colored (colored) Murano glass serving bowl or dish attributed to Italian Murano glass designer by Antonio da Ros (1936-2012) for Cenedese, circa 1970-1990. Wonderful deep cobalt blue color. Simplistic yet elegant form, almost futuristic. Would look fantastic in a kitchen, on a white marble countertop...
Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Large Danish Modern Carved Teakwood Fruit / Serving Bowl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish hand carved teak serving / fruit bowl with exquisite grain and an impressive size: H: 5.13" x L: 18.63" x D: 11. Excellent, vintage condition with only a few light spots of f...
Teak
$372
H 5.71 in Dm 9.85 in
Large Black and Green 'Krenit' Bowl by Herbert Krenchel for Torben Ørskov & Co
By Torben Orskov, Herbert Krenchel
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This 'Krenit' bowl was designed by mechanical engineer Herbert Krenchel and his good friend Torben Ørskov who put them in production in 1953. They had realised that Americans ate a l...
Metal, Enamel
Vintage 12.5-Inch Cobalt Blue Glass Ashtray from Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage cobalt blue ashtray is an elegant glass decorative object, realized during the 1970s. Vibrant cobalt blue ashtray will help add...
Glass
Blue Murano Ashtray with Air Bubbles from Seguso, 1950s
By Seguso
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hand blown aqua blue Murano art glass bowl or ashtray. Executed with in capsulated and controlled air bubbles. It is attributed to Archimede Seguso, Italy, circa 1940s-1950s.
Blown Glass
Richard Meier for Swid Powell Stainless Steel Bowl/Centerpiece
By Swid Powell, Richard Meier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful post modern design by the well known architect Richard Meier. Measure: 10 inches.
Stainless Steel
Silver Travertine Bowl XL
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our stunning Silver Travertine PEDESTAL Bowl XL, a captivating fusion of style and utility. Crafted from premium silver travertine stone this stunning statement piece wit...
Travertine
Pink Marble Narrow Bowl
By Kiwano Concept
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite pink marble NARROW Bowl, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious pink marble stone, this stunning bowl is a testament to timeless bea...
Travertine
Sold
H 3.27 in W 2.37 in D 1.66 in
Set of 6 Bodum Postmodern Napkin Rings by Jumi Chan & Nathalie Du Pasquier
By Memphis Milano, Bodum, Ajumi Han, Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking set of six Bodum postmodern napkin rings was designed in the 1980s by Jumi Chan and Nathalie Du Pasquier, a founding member of the Memphis Group. Each ring showcases a ...
Metal, Silver Plate, Brass
Sold
H 8 in W 9 in D 2.25 in
1980's Postmodern Memphis Collection by Dasch Japan Porcelain Rare Teapot
By Memphis Group, Kenny Dasch
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare 1980's porcelain teapot very collectible by Memphis for Dasch , excellent condition no chips or cracks.
Porcelain
1980s Memphis Milano Porcelain Vase
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A 1980s Memphis Milano ‘Garda’ amphora vessel in white porcelain, designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. Memphis Milano formed in the 1980s as a response to the rather formulaic design principles of the Mid-Century Modern style. The group’s over-the-top, maximalistic designs were the epitome of kitsch, yet the public responded enthusiastically to this new style that in many ways became the aesthetic of the 80s. The Memphis Group’s playful approach to design history is evident in this large 'Garda' amphora, designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. While described as an "amphora" and thus certainly a conscious reference to Antiquity, the object does not bear any physical or functional resemblance to an Ancient Greek vessel. Dimensions: 15 1/2 in. H x 10 3/4 in. W x 6 3/4 in. D Condition: Excellent. Provenance: Estate of John 'Parker' Prindle, Jr., Boston, MA References: Memphis: Céramique, Argent, Verre, 1981-1987 ed. Michel Aveline (Musées de Marseille, 1991), illus. p. 51. Memphis Milano catalog (Milan: Christoph Radl-Sottsass Associati, 1983), illus. p. 105. Peter Dormer, The New Ceramics...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Matteo Thun Memphis Milano Hors d'oeuvre Set
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
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...
Porcelain
Matteo Thun Memphis Original 1982 Design Teapot
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
An original 1980s Memphis style porcelain teapot, designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. Memphis Milano formed in the 1980s as a response to the Stark minimalism of the previous decade....
Porcelain
Matteo Thun Memphis Original 1982 Design Vase
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Matteo Thun
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This Matteo Thun Vase was created in the 1980s Memphis style. The porcelain vase’s exaggerated size and details point to the movement’s irreverence for traditional, or even functiona...
Porcelain
Set of 6 Memphis Milano Napkin Rings by Nathalie du Pasquier and Ajumi Han
By Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier, Bodum, Memphis Group, Ajumi Han
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Set of 6 Memphis Milano napkin rings by Nathalie du Pasquier and Ajumi Han Six silver plated napkin rings made by the French designer Nathalie du Pasquier and the Japanese Ajumi H...
Silver Plate
Set of 6 Memphis Milano Napkin Rings by Nathalie du Pasquier and Ajumi Han
By Memphis Milano, Nathalie du Pasquier, Bodum, Memphis Group, Ajumi Han
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Set of 6 Memphis Milano Napkin Rings by Nathalie du Pasquier and Ajumi Han Six silver plated napkin rings made by the French designer Nathalie du Pasquier and the Japanese Ajumi H...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 15.75 in W 5.5 in D 8.5 in
Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Postmodern “Anchorage Teapot” 1982, Silver
By Memphis Group, Peter Shire
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original production. Rare. With Memphis stamp. a) Teapot vessel: 5 1/2 x 8 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. (13.97 x 22.23 x 13.97 cm); b) Teapot lid: 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. (6.35 x 8.26 cm); c) Singular ...
Silver
Lettuce Ettore Sottsass for Memphis-Milano Set of Five Plates
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Ruccola by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis-Milano. Set of five.
Ceramic
Indivia Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, Milano Set of Six Plates
By Memphis Group
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Indivia by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis, Milano. Set of six.
Ceramic
Ruccola Ettore Sottsass for Memphis-Milano Set of Six Plates
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Ruccola by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis-Milano. Set of six.
Ceramic