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Shiro Kuramata Sculptures

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.

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Creator: Shiro Kuramata
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 Sculptures

Materials

Zinc

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 Sculptures

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 Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

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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

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H 27.75 in W 37.25 in D 32.75 in

Shiro Kuramata " How High the Moon " Chair for Vitra

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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.

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20th Century German Modern Shiro Kuramata Sculptures

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Shiro Kuramata Umbrella Stand for Pastoe, 1986, Netherlands
Shiro Kuramata Umbrella Stand for Pastoe, 1986, Netherlands

Shiro Kuramata Umbrella Stand for Pastoe, 1986, Netherlands

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1980s Dutch Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Sculptures

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"How High the Moon" Shiro Kuramata, 1986
"How High the Moon" Shiro Kuramata, 1986

"How High the Moon" Shiro Kuramata, 1986

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"How High the Moon" Shiro Kuramata, 1986

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Located in Dronten, NL

"How high the Moon" armchair. Designed in 1986 and handmade by Kurosaki for Vitra. Nickel-plated expanded steel mesh. In production from 1987-200...

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Located in Dronten, NL

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1980s Swiss Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Sculptures

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Shiro Kuramata sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Shiro Kuramata sculptures 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 sculptures, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Prices for Shiro Kuramata sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,500 and can go as high as $3,300, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,400.