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.
Kuramata Side 1 Furniture in Irregular Form 1989
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in London, GB
A Kuramata side 1 eighteen drawers cabinet in cherrywood. Shiro Kuramata was a Japanese designer from 1965 when he founded the Kuramata Design Office in Tokyo...
Wool
$33,110 / item
H 66.93 in W 24.81 in D 19.69 in
Progetti Compiuti Drawers by Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Shiro Kuramata
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A re-edition of the Progetti Compiuti collection, also part of the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York, the Dinah cabinet is a chest of drawers envisioned by designer Shiro ...
Metal
$34,061 / item
H 66.93 in W 24.81 in D 19.69 in
Progetti Compiuti Side 2 Drawers by Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini
By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A re-edition of the Progetti Compiuti collection, also part of the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York, the Dinah cabinet is a chest of drawers envisioned by designer Shiro ...
Metal
$26,804
H 66.15 in W 20.08 in D 19.69 in
Sculptural Chest of Drawers Attributed to Shiro Kuramata x Cappellini
Located in NAPOLI, NP
An original postmodern sculptural chest of drawers attributed to Shiro Kuramata, characterized by an unmistakable undulating silhouette that transforms a simple piece of storage furn...
Brass
$59,053 / item
H 51.19 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
Progetti Compiuti Chest of Drawers by Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Shiro Kuramata
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A re-edition of the Progetti Compiuti collection, also part of the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York, the Dinah cabinet is a chest of drawers envisioned by designer Shiro ...
Metal
Binario Dresser by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Binario Dresser by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 55 x W 131 x H 80 cm. Materials: Walnut. Walnut veneer blockboard, drawers in solid walnut, and handles in solid Wenge. Available in two...
Walnut
Liliale Dresser by Dale Italia
Located in Geneve, CH
Liliale Dresser by Dale Italia Dimensions: D 55 x W 131 x H 80 cm. Materials: Walnut. The walnut veneer blockboard and drawers are made of solid walnut. Available in two different s...
Walnut
$4,500 / item
H 26.25 in W 52.5 in D 18.5 in
Modern Solid Wood Dresser by Designer Koba, Versatile Storage, 2025
By Koba
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Model 03 is our most versatile creation of Series 01. Capable of filling the role of a dresser, credenza or sideboard. Drawing inspiration from Mid Century cabinetry, Model 03 is our...
Leather, Paint, Walnut
Marea Dresser by De Castelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Marea Dresser by De Castelli Dimensions: W 190 x D 45 x H 71 cm Materials: DeMarea Brass, Titanium Oak Wood Copper and Stainless Steel versions are available. Three and Nine drawers ...
Brass
Faria Dresser by Croft House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
90"W + 20"D + 34"H ASH + LEATHER HARDWAX OIL FINISH The Faria Dresser captures the relaxed sophistication of California modern design through its beautiful blend of natural mate...
Wood
Jack Cartwright for Founders Furniture Petite Cabinet
By Kipp Stewart
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Jack Cartwright for founders Furniture Petite Cabinet Expressive grained Rosewood venner
Metal
Karl Springer Goatskin and Steel Chest of Drawers
By Karl Springer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extremely rare cabinet by Karl springer Goatskin and steel Subtle recessed drawer surrounds A good selection of cream colored goatskin
Goatskin
Tommi Parzinger Cabinet
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tommi Parzinger 4 door Cabinet, Brass Hardware and studs to front and sides Marked Parzinger Originals
Mahogany
Tommi Parzinger Armoire
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extraordinary example from Tommi Parzinger. In 1951 Tommi Parzinger established a relationship with Hofstatter and Sons. Hofstatter manufactured furniture and had a branch devoted to interior design. The armoire (1 of 2 manufactured) was a commission for Cielito Lindo, the Woolworth Family home in Palm Beach. The two armoires...
Wood
Paul McCobb Miniature 3 Drawer Dresser / Jewelry Chest
By Paul McCobb
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paul McCobb 3 drawer walnut miniature cabinet. Tear drop brass pulls.
Walnut
George Nelson Rosewood Thin Edge Dressers
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Thin edge dressers by George Nelson for Herman Miller Porcelain handles and metal legs. Dressers have been refinished.
Aluminum
