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. Today, the Memphis Milano brand, which is managed by Alberto Bianchi Albrici, still produces designs created by the group between 1981 and 1988.
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 Memphis Milano seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Sirio Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Sirio glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the edge of the Stand: "E. Sottsass per Memphis Milano”. For further information please see authen...
Glass
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
13 Malide Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The 13 Malide glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Malide Glass” collection. Made in Murano glass, and signed on the base “E.Sottsa...
Glass
12 Amaltea Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Amaltea Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Amaltea Glass” collection. Made in Murano. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis”. Signed on the base. Et...
Glass
Mizar Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Mizar vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. The piece features clear and blue glass with multicolored handles. 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, 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...
Glass
Altair Glass Flower Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Altair Glass Flower Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. I...
Glass
Alioth Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alioth Glass Vase was designed by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis in 1983. The Venetian glass vase features blue fusions and black threads. Signed on the base. Ettore Sottsass was b...
Glass
26 Niobe Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Niobe Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is made out of blown glass and signed on the base. For further information please see authenticity i...
Glass
14 Astidamia Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Astidamia glass vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Astidamia Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed “E.Sottsass ...
Glass
21 Clesitera Glass Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Clesitera glass vase with pendant, was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is blown glass, and signed on the base, for further information please see authent...
Glass
Deneb Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Deneb vase in multicolored glass was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1982 for Memphis. Signed “E.Sottsass per Memphis Milano”. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in...
Glass
25 Astimelusa Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Astimelusa Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Vetri Glass” collection, and made out of blown Murano glass. Signed “E.Sottsass...
Blown Glass
32 Ananke Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Ananke Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is glass blown, and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below....
Glass
11 Erinna Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Erina vase is blown glass, originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in Murano, its hand blown with techniques from m...
Blown Glass
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
33 Neobule Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Neobule Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The Vase is glass blown and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below....
Glass
$800 / item
Chad Teapot by Matteo Thun - Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano
Located in Milan, IT
This intriguing design was created for Memphis by Matteo Thun in 1982. It is crafted entirely of fine porcelain in white except for the ring that makes up the body of the piece. Its ...
Porcelain
31 Imera Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Imera Glass Vase was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986. The vase is made out of blown glass, and signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity ...
Blown Glass
34 Agelada Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Agelada Glass Vase with pendant was originally designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1986 for Memphis. It's part of the “Vetri Glass” collection. Made in blown Murano glass, and signed ...
Glass
Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Marco Zanini, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Alpha Centaury Glass Flower Vase was designed by Marco Zanini in 1982. Signed on the base, please see below for further information. Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He ...
Glass
5 Atamante Glass Vase, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
5 Atamante vase is in blown glass, and originally designed in 1986 by Ettore Sottsass. Signed on the base, for further information please see authenticity info below. Ettore Sott...
Blown Glass
$754Sale Price / item|25% Off
H 9.06 in W 6.7 in D 2.76 in
Ettore Sottsass Pink Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, by BD Barcelona
By BD Barcelona Design, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shiva ceramic flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona. In good original condition with minor wear consistent ...
Ceramic
Shiva Flower Vase by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Shiva flower vase by Ettore Sottsass was designed in 1973 following the inspiration garnered from his love for Catalan women w...
Ceramic
$1,842Sale Price|37% Off
H 9.06 in W 6.7 in D 2.76 in
Ettore Sottsass Shiva Limited Edition Black Prototype 2/8
By Ettore Sottsass, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Black Shiva ceramic vase designed by Ettore Sottsass circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona. This piece has been produced as a limited edition with a total of only 100 units. This...
Ceramic
"Hsing" Vase Designed by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in New York, NY
"Hsing" vase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Alessio Sarri, Sesto Fiorentino. Red glazed ceramic. Marked: E. Sottsass, A. SARRI.
Ceramic
Vase Yemen by Ettore Sottsass for Venini Murano ca. 1994
By Venini, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vase Yemen by Ettore Sottsass for Venini Murano ca. 1994 A vintage vase from the 'Yemen' series, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 1994. Manufactured by Venini Murano Venice in 2002. T...
Art Glass
Chalice Vase by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Bitossi
Located in Milan, IT
This elegant vase was designed by famous Italian architect Ettore Sottsass in 1962. It is in white clay and its geometric shape with a white finish is adorned with a series of parall...
Ceramic
Ettore Sottsass for Fontana Arte Vase Model 2665
By Fontana Arte, Ettore Sottsass
Located in New York, NY
Ettore Sottsass for Fontana Arte rare large graphic colored crystal vase consisting of dark blue central square cylinder with attached brown tria...
Art Glass
"Hsing" Vase Designed by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in New York, NY
"Hsing" vase designed by Ettore Sottsass for Alessio Sarri, Sesto Fiorentino. Green glazed ceramic.
Ceramic
$754Sale Price / item|25% Off
H 9.06 in W 6.7 in D 2.76 in
Ettore Sottsass Pink Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, by BD Barcelona
By Ettore Sottsass, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shiva ceramic flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona. In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use preserving a b...
Ceramic
Black and White Reel Vase by Ettore Sottsass
By Bitossi, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milan, IT
This vase's simple shape is complemented by its geometric decoration that features striking motifs in black on the white background of the cylindrical shape. This piece was designed ...
Ceramic
$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
Memphis style Flowers Bouquet Ettore Sottsass - Italy
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in The Hague, NL
12 Memphis style flowers, a really beautiful bouquet. Lately there was a similar bouquet sold on an European Auction and the description was that Ettore Sottsass was the designer of ...
Rubber, Wood
Sold
H 18.75 in W 7 in D 7 in
Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Alioth 1983 Signed Glass Sculpture Postmodern
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A handblown glass sculpture titled "Alioth (1983)" by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano. Etched signature "E. Sottsass per Memphis" on the base. Handcrafted in Murano, Italy. This s...
Art Glass