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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
Martine Bedin Architectural Drawing for Memphis Hand-Signed Dated 1990
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano
Located in Chicago, IL
Original drawings by Martine Bedin for Memphis, hand signed and dated 1990. Architectural research drawing by the Memphis Group visionary Martine Bedin who created the instantly reco...
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Paper

Squash Purple Ashtray, by Maria Sanchez from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Maria Sanchez
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

City Chrome-Plated Steel Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
City table, designed in 1983 by Ettore Sottsass, is a laminated composite board with chrome-plated steel, and enameled aluminum. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. In 19...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Steel, Aluminum

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

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

Arizona Woolen Carpet, by Nathalie Du Pasquier from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Arizona handwoven 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

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

Martine Bedin Architectural Drawing for Memphis Hand-Signed Dated 1990
By Memphis Milano, Martine Bedin, Memphis Group
Located in Chicago, IL
Original drawings by Martine Bedin for Memphis, hand signed and dated 1990. Architectural research drawing by the Memphis Group visionary Martine Bedin who created the instantly reco...
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Paper

Martine Bedin Original Drawing for Memphis Signed Dated 1990
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano
Located in Chicago, IL
Original drawings by Martine Bedin for Memphis, hand signed and dated 1990. Research drawings of stools, chairs, centerpieces, tables, totems and boxes by the Memphis Group visionary...
Category

1990s Italian Post-Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Paper

Memphis In Memphis, 1985 Exhibition Poster Framed
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in Chicago, IL
Poster designed by Eddie Tucker for the Memphis Group exhibition "Memphis in Memphis" at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art from November 18th 1984 to February 3rd 1985. Eddie Tucker portr...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Paper

CHAD Teapot, Designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. For the collection Memphis Milano.
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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 ...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Indivia Ceramic Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Peninsula Metal and Glass Side Table, by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano Collect.
By Memphis Group, Peter Shire
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Peninsula side table in metal and glass, was originally designed in 1982 by Peter Shire for Memphis Milano. Peter Shire is a Los Angeles artist. Shire was born in the Echo Park...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Madonna Wooden Table, by Arquitectonica for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Arquitectonica
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Madonna table in lacquered wood, designed in 1984 by Arquitectonica. 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

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. Produced by Memphis in 2013-2014. A classic by Sottsass, the Nilo porcelain vase is par...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Onega White Porcelain Cup, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Tartar Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Tartar Table in laminated wood was originally designed in 1985, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano. Ettore Sottsass was born in ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Wood

Piccadilly Table Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Gerard Taylor for Memphis Milano Collect
By Memphis Milano, Gerard Taylor, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the US wired, Piccadilly Table Lamp made in metal and plastic laminate, designed in 1982, by Gerard Taylor. Gerard Taylor gr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

Roma Green Armchair, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano Collection
By Marco Zanini, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Roma Green Armchair in fiberglass with iridescent finish, designed by Marco Zanini in 1985. Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduated in architecture at the University o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Fiberglass

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

ROYAL Chaise Lounge by Nathalie du Pasquier for Memphis Milano
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

Fabric, Lacquer, Laminate

Piccadilly Table Lamp 'EU' 220 Volts, by Gerard Taylor from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Gerard Taylor
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU wired, Piccadilly table lamp made in metal and plastic laminate, designed in 1982, by Gerard Taylor. Gerard Taylor ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Metal

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Continental Wood Side Table, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection
By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Continental side table designed in 1984 for Memphis, in laminated wood and plastic. Michele De Lucchi was born in 1951 in Ferrara and graduated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Wood, Plastic

Palm Springs Briar Dining Table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Palm Springs dining table, in briar and plastic laminate was originally designed in 1984, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano. Ettore Sottsass was born in Innsbruck in 1917. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Wood, Plastic

Nilo Porcelain Vase by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

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

Super Yellow EU 220V Table or Floor Light, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU wired, super yellow table or floor lamp in fiberglass, designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Color options also include, blue, white with colored sockets, and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass

Parana Ceramic Fruit Bowl, by Masanori Umeda from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Masanori Umeda, Memphis Group
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

Colorado Ceramic Teapot, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Marco Zanini
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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Santa Ana Ceramic 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 Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp with EU wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The Lamp is numbered and does not include the bulb. Born 1952 in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Manitoba White Porcelain Tray, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Memphis Style Porcelain Cocktail Accessories by Matteo Thun
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano, 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

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

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

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

Matteo Thun Memphis Milano Hors d'oeuvre Set
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
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

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

Ettore Sottsass & Marco Zanini for Leitner Donau Collection Bed and Nightstand
By Marco Zanini, Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass
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

Super Blue Table Light 'EU' 220 Volts, by Martine Bedin from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Martine Bedin, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Here you are shown the EU wired, super blue table or floor lamp in fiberglass, designed in 1981, by Martine Bedin. Color options also include: Yellow, White with Colored Sockets, and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Glass, Fiberglass

Ivory Side Table, by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Shiro Kuramata
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

Volga White Vase, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Volga Vase for one flower in decorated white porcelain, was originally designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano. Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Os...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Murmansk Silver Plated Brass Fruit Bowl, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, 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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Brass, Silver

Tomato Ceramic Serving Platter, by Michele De Lucchi from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Victoria Ceramic Flower Vase, by Marco Zanini from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Memphis Group, Marco Zanini
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Victoria Flower vase in ceramic with ceramic flower, was originally designed in 1982 by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano. Marco Zanini was born in Trento in 1954. He graduated in ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Bertrand Cabinet by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Memphis, Milano, 1987
By Memphis Group, Massimo Iosa Ghini
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Bertrand cabinet by Massimo Iosa Ghini for Memphis, Milano, 1987. Original condition with very few blemishes. This can be used as a bar cabinet, sideboard, or general storage.
Category

1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Steel, Chrome

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

Garda White Porcelain Amphora, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The Garda White Porcelain Amphora was originally designed by Matteo Thun in 1982 for Memphis Milano. Born 1952 in Bolzano, Italy. Matteo Thun studies under Oskar Kokoschka at the Sa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Cauliflower Fruit Bowl, by Nathalie du Pasquier from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Nathalie du Pasquier, Memphis Milano
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Group Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Lettuce White Ceramic Dinner Plate, by Ettore Sottsass from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Group
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern 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
    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 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
    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 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 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 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.
  • 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.

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