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Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

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. 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.

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Creator: Memphis Milano
Santa Fe Porcelain Ceiling Lamp USA 110Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Santa Fe Porcelain Ceiling Lamp USA 110Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

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

By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group, Memphis Milano

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 Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Porcelain

Haus Lange Lamp, Bronze, by Franz West for Memphis-marked "FRANZ WEST X MEMPHIS"
Haus Lange Lamp, Bronze, by Franz West for Memphis-marked "FRANZ WEST X MEMPHIS"

Haus Lange Lamp, Bronze, by Franz West for Memphis-marked "FRANZ WEST X MEMPHIS"

By Franz West, Memphis Milano

Located in Beirut, LB

"Haus Lange" lamp, designed by renowned Austrian sculptor Franz West in 1991, is a testament to his ability to blur the lines between art and everyday objects. Produced for the Meta...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze

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

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

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun

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 Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Porcelain

Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Here you are shown the Santa Ana Ceramic ceiling lamp with US wiring accessibility, designed in 1983 by Matteo Thun. The lamp is numbered and does not include the bulb. Born 1952 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Ceramic

Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano
Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano

Santa Ana Ceramic Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Matteo Thun, Memphis Milano

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 Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Ceramic

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano Coll.
Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano Coll.

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 Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Ceramic

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun

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 Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Ceramic

Rossella Metal Ceiling Lamp EU 220 Volts, by Marco Zanini for Memphis Milano C.

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 Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

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

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

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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

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Franz West Privat Lampe II Floor Lamp, Welded Iron, Austria, 1989
Franz West Privat Lampe II Floor Lamp, Welded Iron, Austria, 1989

Franz West Privat Lampe II Floor Lamp, Welded Iron, Austria, 1989

By Franz West

Located in Tinton Falls, NJ

Very famous light!!! Franz West’s provocative, boundary-pushing sculptures, lighting and furniture completely changes the way that art audiences interact with art that merges into f...

Category

1980s Italian Industrial Vintage Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

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Santa Fe Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano
Santa Fe Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano

Santa Fe Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano

$1,500

H 7.88 in Dm 11.82 in

Santa Fe Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano

By Matteo Thun, Memphis Group

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Santa Fe by Matteo Thun for Memphis Milano. Ceramic pendant lamp. Light is E26 or E27. Shade size is F 30/H 20 cm. cable 120cm.

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Cavalieri Floor Lamp EU 220 V. by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
Cavalieri Floor Lamp EU 220 V. by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

Cavalieri Floor Lamp EU 220 V. by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

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Located in La Morra, Cuneo

Cavalieri Floor Lamp EU Wiring 220 V. in Wood and Plastic Laminate by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano collection Additional Information: Floor lamp in wood and plastic laminat...

Category

2010s Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Plastic

Firmamento Milano Sese Pendant Lamp by Carlo Guglielmi
Firmamento Milano Sese Pendant Lamp by Carlo Guglielmi

Firmamento Milano Sese Pendant Lamp by Carlo Guglielmi

By Carlo Guglielmi, Firmamento Milano

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Please note that VAT is not included in the price. The simplicity of this lighting signifies originality and innovation. The metal cylinder contains and addresses the light coming from two inner LEDS so that it becomes a true bidirectional light projector...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

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Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano
Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

Santa Monica Ceiling Lamp USA 110 Volts, by Matteo Thun from Memphis Milano

By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Matteo Thun

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....

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

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Gaia Chandelier, Venexiana, Gismondi Orni Halloween for VeArt, Memphis Style 80s
Gaia Chandelier, Venexiana, Gismondi Orni Halloween for VeArt, Memphis Style 80s

Gaia Chandelier, Venexiana, Gismondi Orni Halloween for VeArt, Memphis Style 80s

By Memphis Group, Orni Halloween, Ernesto Gismondi, VeArt, Artemide

Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence

The Gaia chandelier, the multicolored edition, is an emblem of the 80s postmodern style. This multicolored version is an extremely rare find. It was d...

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1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

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Matteo Thun for Bieffeplast "Valigetta" Table Lamp, Italy 1985
Matteo Thun for Bieffeplast "Valigetta" Table Lamp, Italy 1985

Matteo Thun for Bieffeplast "Valigetta" Table Lamp, Italy 1985

By Bieffeplast, Matteo Thun

Located in Naples, IT

Nice Valigetta table lamp, designed by Matteo Thun for Bieffeplast in 1985. Produced in Padova, Italy, during the late 1980s. Together with Ettore Sottsass, Matteo Thun was one of th...

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1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

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Pill Ceiling Lamp by Matteo Zorzenoni
Pill Ceiling Lamp by Matteo Zorzenoni

Pill Ceiling Lamp by Matteo Zorzenoni

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H 20.48 in W 9.26 in D 9.26 in

Pill Ceiling Lamp by Matteo Zorzenoni

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Located in Milan, IT

Part of a collection designed by Matteo Zorzenoni and aptly named for its curved Silhouette that resembles a pill, this elegant two-light ceiling lamp was crafted using centuries-old...

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Clessidra Eight-Light Black Ceiling Lamp by Matteo Zorzenoni
Clessidra Eight-Light Black Ceiling Lamp by Matteo Zorzenoni

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H 10.24 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in

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Located in Milan, IT

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Category

2010s Italian Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

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Moonlight Two-Light Brass Ceiling Lamp by Matteo Zorzenoni
Moonlight Two-Light Brass Ceiling Lamp by Matteo Zorzenoni

Moonlight Two-Light Brass Ceiling Lamp by Matteo Zorzenoni

$4,745 / item

H 26.38 in W 34.26 in D 15.75 in

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By MM Lampadari, Matteo Zorzenoni

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Part of the Moonlight collection, this two-light ceiling lamp poetically evokes the romantic ambiance of a moonlit landscape. Its Minimalist and g...

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King's Floor Lamp EU 220 V. by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection
King's Floor Lamp EU 220 V. by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

King's Floor Lamp EU 220 V. by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis Milano Collection

By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

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2010s Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

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Previously Available Items
Franz West Meta-Memphis chainlink Suspension Lamp, Memphis Milano, Italy, 1991
Franz West Meta-Memphis chainlink Suspension Lamp, Memphis Milano, Italy, 1991

Franz West Meta-Memphis chainlink Suspension Lamp, Memphis Milano, Italy, 1991

By Memphis Milano, Franz West

Located in London, GB

Franz West (1947–2012) was known for his provocative, boundary-pushing sculptures and furniture. His work aimed to expand the way audiences interact with art and functional objects. ...

Category

1990s European Industrial Memphis Milano Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Memphis Milano chandeliers and pendants for sale on 1stDibs.

Memphis Milano chandeliers and pendants are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. We have 1 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original chandeliers and pendants by Memphis Milano 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 chandeliers and pendants by Memphis Group, Francesco Librizzi, and Rodolfo Dordoni. Prices for Memphis Milano chandeliers and pendants can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $655 and can go as high as $7,799, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $786.