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.
French Mid Century Side Console Table in Black Metal by Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare French black lacquered mid century half round console side table by Mathieu Matégot for Steph Simon Paris, 1950s. In good original condition with patina from age and use. Matche...
Metal
Round Black French Mid Century "Bellevue" Sofa Side Table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare round and decorative French mid century "Bellevue" side sofa table in black lacquered metal with a glass top designed by Mathieu Matégot and produced in France in 1950s. In go...
Metal
French Decorative Mid Century Black Console Bench by Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and decorative French mid century console bench in black lacquered metal, leather and glass by Mathieu Matégot produced by his own atelier in France during the 1950s. In good...
Metal
Mid Century "B12" Side Console Table by Marcel Breuer Produced by Thonet, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early example of the "B12" mid century side console table in black stained wood with chromed tubular steel base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet, 1930s. In good orig...
Chrome
New Rick Owens Round Brazier Low Side Table in Black Bronze Produced in France
By Rick Owens
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare round "Brazier" side low table in black bronze by Rick Owens produced by his atelier in France. Made to order and production time around 8 weeks. Will be delivered in a custom ...
Bronze
Early Mid Century "B27" Round Dining Table by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early mid century wooden "B27" round dining table in black stained wood with chromed tubular metal base by Marcel Breuer produced by Thonet Germany, 1930s. In good original ...
Metal
Mangiarotti console in black marble
By Skipper, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in London, GB
Designed by Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper from the 'Eros' series, Nero Marquina marble
Marble
Angelo Mangiarotti "Eros" Black Marble Console in Nero Marquina, 1970s
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Brussels, BE
Angelo Mangiarotti "Eros" Black Marble Console in Nero Marquina, 1970s.
Marble
Angelo Mangiarotti Black Marble Console Table, 1970s
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Italian architect and designer Angelo Mangiarotti in the 1970's, this console table is carved from Marquinia black marble. Its sculpted construction emphasizes the natura...
Marble
Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper Black Marquina Marble "Eros" Console, Italy 1970s
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Skipper
Located in Almelo, NL
Angelo Mangiarotti for skipper black Marquina marble "Eros" Console, Italy, 1970s This console table is a remarkable piece from Angelo Mangiarotti's 'Eros' series for Skipper, cre...
Marble
Gabetti & Isola Console Table in Black Lacquered Metal and Granite by Arbo 1970s
By Roberto Gabetti and Aimaro Isola, Arbo
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Console table with a base in black lacquered metal and an ovoidal table top in granite, originally designed by Aimaro Oreglia d'Isola and Roberto Gabetti f...
Granite, Metal
Vintage black marble console table by Cattelan Italy, 1980s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Cattelan Italy 'Diapason' console table consisting of a black marble base with rectangular clear glass top. (to be customized if desired) Beautiful natural marble pattern T...
Marble
