Few designers have blended Minimalism and Surrealism into artistic furniture as successfully as Shiro Kuramata. His experimentation with form, function, color and motif informed cabinets, chairs and side tables that are as mystifying as they are visually striking.
Born in Tokyo in 1934, Kuruamata studied at the Kuwasawa Design School. In the 1970s and ’80s, he explored industrial materials in his designs. Inspired by Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, Kuramata produced irreverent and bold work. In 1981, Kuramata joined Sottsass in his founding of the Memphis Group, named for a Bob Dylan song. The Milan-based collective aimed to turn the status quo on its head and redefine what was considered appealing in modern furniture style.
His experience with the Memphis Group led Kuramata to embrace unconventional optical effects. No piece embodies this more skillfully than the Miss Blanche chair. Crafted with transparent resin and flecked with rose-petal flecks, it gives the illusion that the sitter is floating.
The How High the Moon armchair is a prime example of his playful nature and willingness to challenge the expectations for furniture design. Including shards of colored glass in concrete surfaces, his “star piece” material was prevalent throughout his work, giving the tops of his end tables and coffee tables a brazen, gem-encrusted appearance. His daring approach to design can also be seen in pieces like his sheer glass bookcases with their seemingly fragile shelves.
Kuramata created many visual delights before his death in 1991. His work is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His pieces remain highly prized by collectors and design enthusiasts worldwide.
On 1stDibs, explore a selection of vintage Shiro Kuramata seating, storage pieces, decorative objects and more.
Post-modern cast aluminium vase by Pascal Mourgue, signed
By Pascal Mourgue
Located in London, GB
Brutalist cast aluminium vessel by the late French designer Pascal Mourgue (1943–2014). Featuring Mourgue’s signature blend of raw texture, modern geometry, and sculptural presence, ...
Aluminum
Garbo fringe lamps by Mariyo Yagi
By Mariyo Yagi
Located in London, GB
The statement Garbo ceiling lights by Mariyo Yagi, feature their distinct off-white silk fringe and emit an ambient light. No longer in production, these were manufactured in Italy b...
Metal
Set of 4 abstract totemic marble sculptures by Jorg Van Daele brutalist
Located in London, GB
Set of 4 abstract totemic sculptures by Antwerp based Artist, Jorg Van Daele. Each from a single piece of Belgian bluestone, the works feature an array of techniques including stippl...
Marble
Organic upright form in Carrara marble
Located in London, GB
Abstract sculpture with organic upright form in Carrara marble. It's surface is a smooth satin finish with a diffused soft veining. A unique and artful decorative object.
Carrara Marble
Bronzes by Monique Gerber, signed
By Monique Gerber
Located in London, GB
Set of Monique Gerber's collectible bronzes, including her naturalistic 'galet' or pebbles range and a vide poche. Signed on the base and comes with original packaging. Sold as a 5 p...
Bronze
Massimo & Lella Vignelli Stone Column Coffee Table for Casigliani
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli
Located in London, GB
Designed by Lella and Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, this iconic statement coffee table features two carved black marble arcs and a single st...
Marble
