Skip to main content

Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Japanese, 1934-1991

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.

to
10
3
10
3
10
9
9
6
6
5
3
1
12
12
12
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
13
13
13
45
1,340
710
487
476
Creator: Shiro Kuramata
Shiro Kuramata flower vase violet acrylic Japanese minimalist style
Shiro Kuramata flower vase violet acrylic Japanese minimalist style

Shiro Kuramata flower vase violet acrylic Japanese minimalist style

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Aluminium tube put into acrylic block. It's great work of Japanese minimalist style. Transparent body makes complex light reflections around. ...

Category

2010s Japanese Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Shiro Kuramata flower vase pale pink acrylic Japanese minimalist style
Shiro Kuramata flower vase pale pink acrylic Japanese minimalist style

Shiro Kuramata flower vase pale pink acrylic Japanese minimalist style

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Aluminium tube put into acrylic block. It's great work of Japanese minimalist style. Transparent body makes complex light reflections around. ...

Category

2010s Japanese Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Spiral Clock B #3 Silver Body Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen
Spiral Clock B #3 Silver Body Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen

Spiral Clock B #3 Silver Body Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Spiral clock B #3 silver body designed by Shiro Kuramata. Dial is inside acrylic edge rounded shade. Black body model is also available.  

Category

1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Spiral Clock B Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern
Spiral Clock B Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

Spiral Clock B Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Spiral clock B designed by Shiro Kuramata. Dial is inside acrylic edge rounded shade.  

Category

1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata Hammer House
Shiro Kuramata Hammer House

Shiro Kuramata Hammer House

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Hammer house object by Shiro Kuramata. Never used condition in box.  

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Zinc

Shiro Kuramata flower vase blue acrylic Japanese minimalist style
Shiro Kuramata flower vase blue acrylic Japanese minimalist style

Shiro Kuramata flower vase blue acrylic Japanese minimalist style

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Aluminium tube put into acrylic block. It's great work of Japanese minimalist style. Transparent body makes complex light reflections around. ...

Category

2010s Japanese Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Spiral Clock B #2 black Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern
Spiral Clock B #2 black Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

Spiral Clock B #2 black Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Spiral clock B #2 black body designed by Shiro Kuramata. Black steel frame and white plate in minimalist style.  

Category

1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Spiral Clock a Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern
Spiral Clock a Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

Spiral Clock a Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Spiral clock designed by Shiro Kuramata. Dial is inside acrylic edge rounded shade.  

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase
Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Small model. Acrylic block which pink is inside and glass tube.  

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern
Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata acrylic pink vase large model. Mint condition. Pink and clear acrylic bock with glass tube.

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Set of 4 rare hand blown Soliflore ikebana glass vases by Shiro Kuramata
Set of 4 rare hand blown Soliflore ikebana glass vases by Shiro Kuramata

Set of 4 rare hand blown Soliflore ikebana glass vases by Shiro Kuramata

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in London, GB

Rare Soliflore Ikebana vases by Shiro Kuramata, for Cristalleria ColleVilca. Suited to house a single stem each, these delicate hand blown vases featured a single leaf-like element, ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray2 Minimalist Japanese Design
Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray2 Minimalist Japanese Design

Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray2 Minimalist Japanese Design

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata's ashtray1. Made of black aluminum. Rather optical art object than usual astray.    

Category

1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray1 Minimalist Japanese Design
Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray1 Minimalist Japanese Design

Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray1 Minimalist Japanese Design

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata's ashtray1. Made of black aluminum. Rather optical art object than usual astray.     

Category

1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Related Items
Signed Japanese Arita Kakiemon Vase with Flowers Design 1950s
Signed Japanese Arita Kakiemon Vase with Flowers Design 1950s

Signed Japanese Arita Kakiemon Vase with Flowers Design 1950s

By Arita, Sakaida Kakiemon Xii

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Mid century Signed Japanese Kakiemon Arita Imari Vase with Flowers.Signed Japanese Kakiemon vase by Sakaida Kakiemon XIII (1906-1982). A beautif...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Modern Minimalist LAAB Dome Vase Raku Ceramic White Crakle
Japanese Modern Minimalist LAAB Dome Vase Raku Ceramic White Crakle

Japanese Modern Minimalist LAAB Dome Vase Raku Ceramic White Crakle

By LAAB Milano

Located in monza, Monza and Brianza

Dome vase Singular, unpredictable cracks and tiny speckles distinguish the captivating aesthetic of this vase, featuring a cylindrical base and mouth incorporated within the spher...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Arthur Secunda Acrylic Sculpture Title "Life" Signed, Numbered, 12/20
Arthur Secunda Acrylic Sculpture Title "Life" Signed, Numbered, 12/20

Arthur Secunda Acrylic Sculpture Title "Life" Signed, Numbered, 12/20

By Arthur Secunda

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful sculpture celebrating " Life" by the well known artist Arthur Second. This piece has a dedication under base as shown .Is signed and numbe...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Japanese Vase with Birds and Flowers Design
Japanese Vase with Birds and Flowers Design

Japanese Vase with Birds and Flowers Design

$520Sale Price|20% Off

H 14.57 in W 10.63 in D 8.27 in

Japanese Vase with Birds and Flowers Design

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Japanese vase with birds and flowers design Meiji period relief decoration late 19th century Japanese origin piece in perfect condition pa...

Category

1880s Japanese Meiji Antique Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s
Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s

Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s

By Junghans Uhren GmbH

Located in Hamburg, DE

Vintage Italian Postmodern Wall Clock from Junghans, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mark.

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Plastic

Glass Houses
Glass Houses

Glass Houses

$50 / item

H 11.38 in W 9.88 in D 2 in

Glass Houses

By Phaidon

Located in New York, NY

An inspiring collection of 50 spectacular houses built almost entirely from glass Glass Houses presents 50 stunning architect-designed homes that utilize glass to maximum effect. Th...

Category

2010s Chinese Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

1980s Postmodern Canetti Wall Clock
1980s Postmodern Canetti Wall Clock

1980s Postmodern Canetti Wall Clock

$425

H 1 in W 13 in D 13 in

1980s Postmodern Canetti Wall Clock

By Wakita

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A vibrant postmodern wall clock from Canetti's Moderntime Collection, showcasing the playful geometric abstraction of perfect 1980s design. Featuring a light gray face encased in a m...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s
Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s

$1,478

H 20.87 in W 20.87 in D 5.12 in

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

This wooden wall clock by Aichi was produced in Japan in the 1920s. With its round, black wooden frame and easy-to-read dial, the clock hung in stations, schools, and government buil...

Category

1920s Japanese Industrial Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Scott Mitchell Houses

Scott Mitchell Houses

$65 / item

H 13.2 in W 10.2 in D 1.2 in

Scott Mitchell Houses

By Calvin Klein, Rizzoli International Publications

Located in New York, NY

A stunning volume that gathers the California designer's most impressive works to date, from coastal sanctuaries to modern country farms. A master of his genre, Scott Mitchell is celebrated for his warm approach to connecting the built and natural environment. Sought after for their minimalist, material-driven aesthetic, Mitchell's houses are studies in space, materiality, and light. Emphasizing an elegant spatial order, his projects respond to the natural appeal of their locations, be they bucolic retreats on Long Island or resplendent beach houses overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The first volume on his work, Scott Mitchell Houses is a sublime exploration of the architectural designer's impressive portfolio of projects. Dynamic compositions of light and shadow with a masterful use of concrete, Mitchell's monolithic forms draw on the surrounding environment via floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto vistas so cinematic that Tom Ford utilized one of Mitchell's homes in his neo-noir film Nocturnal Animals. Through previously unpublished photographs, readers are given an exclusive view into eight pivotal projects that span the globe from the Hamptons to Melbourne, featuring images by Ross Bleckner, Scott Frances, Trevor Mein, and Steve Shaw...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Vintage trade s mark Japanese Tokyo wall clock
Vintage trade s mark Japanese Tokyo wall clock

Vintage trade s mark Japanese Tokyo wall clock

$746

H 15.5 in W 15.5 in D 4.25 in

Vintage trade s mark Japanese Tokyo wall clock

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Vintage trade s mark Japanese tokyo wall clock circa 1920. Ww2 Japanese trade s mark wall clock.  Presented in original condition, later painted which is now wearing through to the ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Art Deco Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

1980s Postmodern Chrome Rocking Desk Clock
1980s Postmodern Chrome Rocking Desk Clock

1980s Postmodern Chrome Rocking Desk Clock

$275

H 4.5 in W 2.5 in D 5.5 in

1980s Postmodern Chrome Rocking Desk Clock

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A fantastic postmodern vintage desk, mantel, or shelf clock in the style of Shohei Mihara’s designs for Wakita. With a black face, red, white and yellow hands, and chrome rocking b...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1980s Postmodern Memphis Style Wall Clock by Milano Series
1980s Postmodern Memphis Style Wall Clock by Milano Series

1980s Postmodern Memphis Style Wall Clock by Milano Series

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Nailing the iconic energy of the 1980s, this vibrant Memphis style wall clock by Milano Series features bold geometric shapes and bright primary colors and all the playful and irrev...

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Plastic

Previously Available Items
"Vase #2" Acrylic Bud Vase by Shiro Kuramata
"Vase #2" Acrylic Bud Vase by Shiro Kuramata

"Vase #2" Acrylic Bud Vase by Shiro Kuramata

Sold

H 7.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in

"Vase #2" Acrylic Bud Vase by Shiro Kuramata

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This is the "#2 Vase" by Shiro Kuramata, featuring the classic beautiful submersion of pink. This sculptural vase is 4.5" x 4.5" x 7.5, a wonderful size for a desk accessory or a wel...

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Lucite, Glass

Spiral Clock B #2 black Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern
Spiral Clock B #2 black Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

Spiral Clock B #2 black Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Spiral clock B #2 black body designed by Shiro Kuramata. Dial is inside acrylic edge rounded shade.  

Category

1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata " How High the Moon " Chair for Vitra
Shiro Kuramata " How High the Moon " Chair for Vitra

Shiro Kuramata " How High the Moon " Chair for Vitra

Sold

H 27.75 in W 37.25 in D 32.75 in

Shiro Kuramata " How High the Moon " Chair for Vitra

By Vitra, Shiro Kuramata

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Shiro Kuramata " How High the Moon " chair for Vitra. Nickel-plated steel mesh with vitra tag to the underside.

Category

20th Century German Modern Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Nickel

Spiral Clock B Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern
Spiral Clock B Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

Spiral Clock B Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Spiral clock B designed by Shiro Kuramata. Dial is inside acrylic edge rounded shade.  

Category

1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase spare glass tube
Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase spare glass tube

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase spare glass tube

Sold

H 7.49 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase spare glass tube

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Two spare glass tubes   

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Spiral Clock B Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern
Spiral Clock B Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

Spiral Clock B Shiro Kuramata Japanese Zen Minimal Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Spiral clock B designed by Shiro Kuramata. Dial is inside acrylic edge rounded shade.  

Category

1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern
Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata acrylic pink vase large model. Mint condition. Pink and clear acrylic bock with glass tube.

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase
Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase

Sold

H 7.49 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Small model. Acrylic block which pink is inside and glass tube.  

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern
Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata acrylic pink vase large model. Mint condition. Pink and clear acrylic bock with glass tube.

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase
Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase

Sold

H 7.49 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in

Shiro Kuramata Pink Vase

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata's acrylic flower vase. Small model. Acrylic block which pink is inside and glass tube.   

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern
Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata acrylic pink vase large model. Mint condition. Pink and clear acrylic bock with glass tube.

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern
Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

Shiro Kuramata Acrylic Pink Vase, Large Japanese Postmodern

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shiro Kuramata acrylic pink vase large model. Mint condition. Pink and clear acrylic bock with glass tube.

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Acrylic

Shiro Kuramata decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Shiro Kuramata decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Shiro Kuramata decorative objects, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Shiro Kuramata were created in the mid-century modern style in japan during the 1980s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Canetti, Shohei Mihara, and Wakita. Prices for Shiro Kuramata decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $600 and can go as high as $8,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,600.