Artist/Designer: Masanori Umeda

Title: Orinoco Vase 1983

Medium: Ceramic

Dimensions: 11"h x 6" x 6" 

Manufacturer: Memphis/Milano

Details: An unusual example in this early color variation. More commonly seen in glazed in natural color with beige spheres and green and blue trim. This example travelled with the Memphis exhibition to most venues from Memphis, Tennessee to the Cooper Hewitt in New York City. It was also was displayed in the Grace Designs showroom and has remained in our founder's collection. It is in truly remarkable condition despite its travels over the last thirty-plus years. There is a very small void in the glaze on one side of the vase 2/3 down from the top and is probably original to the piece.  

Notes from the Archive: In the late 60's, Umeda moved to Milan and worked with Achille and Pier Giacomo Castliglioni in their studio and later became a consultant for the Olivetti Company, where he met Ettore Sottsass.  Masanori Umeda captivated everyone's attention with his first design for Memphis - the "Tawaraya" (boxing ring) seating for the inaugural 1981 Memphis collection. In 1982, he designed a laminate bookcase in the shape of a robot titled "Ginza". The following year his designs included two thought-provoking ceramics, the Parana tray and the Orinoco vase. These pieces enabled exploration of form at a tabletop scale and became some of his most popular designs. 

Shipping Notes: Free shipping included in the continental US. Please contact us for international shipping arrangements.

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