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.
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.
Aluminum
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.
Aluminum
Lalique French Crystal Jewelry Dish or Ashtray Leaf Design
By Lalique, René Lalique
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, signed, Lalique crystal dish with decorative leaf and indent design around edge, circa 20th century, France. Piece is from French luxury crystal maker Lalique. Made...
Crystal
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Green, Sculptural Design, 1960s
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous green ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition witho...
Murano Glass
Jacques Adnet Leather and Cut Crystal French Ashtray, 1960s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Roma, IT
Superb ashtray with a thick bent leather frame and curved cut crystal glass. This fantastic piece is attributed to Jacques Adnet and was produced in France during the 1960s. Fully o...
Crystal
Fontana Arte Mirrored Crystal Italian Design, 1960s Ashtray Bowl
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, IT
Fontana Arte 1960s Mirrored crystal Perfect condiction Measure: Diameter 16.5 cm, height 2.5 cm.
Crystal
Dark Bronze Ashtray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark Bronze ashtray by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 26 x D 14 x H 9 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
Red Murano Glass Ashtray by Flavio Poli, 1960s Italian Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing Red Ashtray or Vide Poche Rare By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Glass. It's a sculpture The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 4,72 diameter x 2,36 H inc...
Murano Glass
$440Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.14 in Dm 5.11 in
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Sommerso Design, 1960s, Excellent
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Astonishing ashtray or catch-all By Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano Sommerso Glass. The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 5,11" diameter x 3,14" H inches cm 13 x cm 8 H
Murano Glass
Cat Brass Ashtray or Bowl
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1950 vintage cat brass ashtray or bowl. This can be used as a sculpture too.
Brass
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Blue Sommerso Design, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s stunning blue ashtray / Vide Poche designed by Flavio Poli in Murano Sommerso Glass. This piece is unique and the shape and the color are amazing. Made in Italy The item is in ...
Murano Glass
$593Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.55 in Dm 5.91 in
Diamond Shaped Ashtray Shining Italy Design 1960s Transparent Glass
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Diamond shaped ashtray shining Italy design 1960s transparent glass.
Murano Glass
Vintage Fly Ashtray in Brass, 1950s
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare and decorative ashtray in solid brass, circa 1950.
Brass
$336Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.96 in Dm 3.93 in
Flavio Poli Bullicante Murano Glass Ashtray, 1960s Italian Design
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Bullicante Murano glass. Made in Italy The item is in excellent condition. Dimension: 3,93 diameter x 1,96 H inches cm...
Murano Glass
$995Sale Price|33% Off
H 1 in Dm 7.32 in
1950s Yellow Bullseye Ashtray Dish La Gardo Tackett Los Angeles Japan Architect
By La Gardo Tackett
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Porcelain ashtray designed by La Gardo Tackett (1911-1992). Best known as the head designer for Architectural Pottery, in Los Angeles, California. Diameter of 7 5/16 inches. Two a...
Ceramic
Petite Vintage Hollywood Regency Chinese Ceramic Elephant Ashtray
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite mid-20th century glazed ceramic elephant Ashtray. Handmade of ceramic. Nice addition to your home, man cave or bar.
Ceramic
$1,500
H 5.71 in W 9.65 in D 5.91 in
Art Deco Silvered Metal Bulldog Ashtray or Jewelry Dish, Irenée Rochard, France
By Irénée Rochard
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Silvered Metal Sculpture of a sitting Bulldog Ashtray or Jewelry dish. By Irene´e Rochard. Signed Rochard. Art Deco Style. Made in France 19...
Onyx, Metal