Style Detective: Tracing a Mysterious Memphis-Style Lamp from 1980s Japan

T Magazine's Style Detective series investigates a reader's quest to identify a lamp given to her between 1980 and 1984 while living in Japan. The lamp features a wooden base, a metal upper section with a cylindrical element and triangular lampshade, and a dimmer switch. Its geometric, colorful design suggests Memphis Group influence, reminiscent of Michele De Lucchi's Sinerpica (1979) or a simplified Ettore Sottsass Tahiti lamp (1981). However, because the lamp was acquired in Japan, it is likely a postmodern piece by a Japanese designer inspired by Memphis. A 2014 Sight Unseen post showed the lamp sold by dealer Patrick Parrish of Mondoblogo; a label read "Made in Japan." The Tokyo lighting company Yamagiwa was considered but denied producing it. The manufacturer may no longer exist, as Japanese lighting has shifted toward minimalism. For those seeking similar 1980s exuberance, Memphis Milano still produces Sottsass's Tahiti, Ashoka (1981), and Bay (1983), De Lucchi's Oceanic lamp (1981), and works by Gerard Taylor and George Sowden. Tom Delavan is T Magazine's design and interiors director.