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Shiro Kuramata Seating

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
Pair of Shiro Kuramata Apple Honey chairs for XO - France, 1985
Pair of Shiro Kuramata Apple Honey chairs for XO - France, 1985

Pair of Shiro Kuramata Apple Honey chairs for XO - France, 1985

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in London, GB

Shiro Kuramata originally designed the Apple Honey chairs at the request of architect Tadao Ando for the Mon Petit Chou café in Kyoto. Its curved, glossy line of tubular steel forms ...

Category

1980s French Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

"Sing Sing Sing" Chair by Shiro Kuramata for XO, France 1985
"Sing Sing Sing" Chair by Shiro Kuramata for XO, France 1985

"Sing Sing Sing" Chair by Shiro Kuramata for XO, France 1985

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Beautiful Sing Sing Sing chair, designed by Shiro Kuramata and manufactured by XO, 1985. The chair is crafted from tubular steel and expanded steel ...

Category

1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

"Apple Honey" chair by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe
"Apple Honey" chair by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe

"Apple Honey" chair by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe

By Pastoe, Shiro Kuramata

Located in Paris, FR

Grey lacquered steel frame, chromed tubular metal armrests, seat upholstered in black faux leather, underside of the seat covered with beige fabric. Model designed in 1985. Kuramata...

Category

1980s Dutch Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

Shiro Kuramata Wire Mesh Arm Chair
Shiro Kuramata Wire Mesh Arm Chair

Shiro Kuramata Wire Mesh Arm Chair

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Queens, NY

Japanese Post-War Design (1960s) steel wire mesh "Sing Sing" arm chair with roll form back & front to seat supported on a chrome tubular frame. (Shiro Kuramata).  

Category

20th Century American Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal, Steel

Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chair, Steel, Mid-Century, Circa 1985
Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chair, Steel, Mid-Century, Circa 1985

Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chair, Steel, Mid-Century, Circa 1985

By XO Design, Shiro Kuramata

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Sing Sing Sing chair designed by Shiro Kuramata circa 1985 in France Coated steel. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with ag...

Category

1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

Modern design Shiro Kuramata chairs
Modern design Shiro Kuramata chairs

Modern design Shiro Kuramata chairs

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Oosterbeek, NL

Rare Shiro Kuramata design chairs model R401 Produced by Pastoe 1986 Black metal square frame with mesh seating. Rubber details on the armrest There are 6 chairs available. The pri...

Category

1980s Japanese Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of Four Post-Modern "Apple Honey" Dining Chairs by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe
Set of Four Post-Modern "Apple Honey" Dining Chairs by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe

Set of Four Post-Modern "Apple Honey" Dining Chairs by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe

By Shiro Kuramata, Pastoe

Located in San Diego, CA

A very nice and hard to find set of four post-modern "Apple Honey" dining chairs by Shiro Kuramata for USM Pastoe of Holland, circa 1980s. The chairs are in very good vintage conditi...

Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel, Metal

1960s Japanese "Sing Sing" Steel Mesh Armchair by Shiro Kuramata
1960s Japanese "Sing Sing" Steel Mesh Armchair by Shiro Kuramata

1960s Japanese "Sing Sing" Steel Mesh Armchair by Shiro Kuramata

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Queens, NY

Designed by Shiro Kuramata, 1960s Japanese steel wire mesh "Sing Sing" armchair with roll form back and front to seat supported on a chrome tubular frame.

Category

1960s Japanese Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chair for XO, France 1985, six available
Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chair for XO, France 1985, six available

Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chair for XO, France 1985, six available

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in London, GB

Six available in total. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s training was initially centred around traditional woodworking however, when he enrolled at the Kuwasawa Design School was taught by Isamu Kenmochi, who helped him reimagine ancient Japanese traditions using modern materials. The philosophy Kuramata. His designs are made from materials that have reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque and tactile qualities to them, each form a response each material. The sing sing sing chair...

Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

Pair of Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985
Pair of Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985

Pair of Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in London, GB

Set of four or six available. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s training was initially centred around traditional woodworking however, when he enrolled at the Kuwasawa Design School was taught by Isamu Kenmochi, who helped him reimagine ancient Japanese traditions using modern materials. The philosophy Kuramata. His designs are made from materials that have reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque and tactile qualities to them, each form a response each material. The sing sing sing...

Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

HAL2 Chair Shiro Kuramata
HAL2 Chair Shiro Kuramata

HAL2 Chair Shiro Kuramata

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

HAL2 chair designed by Shiro Kuramata for Cassina Inderdecor in 1987. Vinyl seat and expand metal back.

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal, Steel

Shiro Kuramata, 'R401' Armchair PAIR AVAILBLE for Pastoe, 1985, rare upholstered
Shiro Kuramata, 'R401' Armchair PAIR AVAILBLE for Pastoe, 1985, rare upholstered

Shiro Kuramata, 'R401' Armchair PAIR AVAILBLE for Pastoe, 1985, rare upholstered

By Pastoe, Shiro Kuramata

Located in London, GB

Shiro Kuramata, Japan (Designer) ‘R401’ chair, rare upholstered version Designed 1985, produced by Pastoe, the Netherlands Black rubberised steel frame, black upholstered seats. F...

Category

1980s Dutch Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

Four Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985
Four Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985

Four Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France 1985

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in London, GB

Set of six available. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s training was initially centred around traditional woodworking however, when he enrolled at the Kuwasawa Design School was taught by Isamu Kenmochi, who helped him reimagine ancient Japanese traditions using modern materials. The philosophy Kuramata. His designs are made from materials that have reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque and tactile qualities to them, each form a response each material. The sing sing sing chair...

Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

Set of Six Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France, 1985
Set of Six Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France, 1985

Set of Six Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chairs for XO, France, 1985

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in London, GB

Sold individually upon request. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s tr...

Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

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Previously Available Items
Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1995
Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1995

Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1995

By Shiro Kuramata, Vitra

Located in Stockholm, SE

Rare and early example of Shiro Kuramatas iconic "How high the moon" armchair in steel produced by Vitra, 1995. In great original condition with the original stickers still attached....

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1990s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Pair of Japanese Steel Mesh Armchairs

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H 35.25 in W 20.5 in D 22 in

Pair of Japanese Steel Mesh Armchairs

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PAIR of Japanese Post-War Design (1960s) steel wire mesh "Sing Sing" Armchairs with roll form back & front to seat supported on a chrome tubular frame (SHIRO KURAMATA) Condition: Go...

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20th Century Japanese Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Sofa with Arms by Shiro Kuramata 1982 / 2007 Production by Cappellini Chromed Metal Tube, Fir & Plywood, Polyurethane Foam, Black Leat...

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1980s Italian Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Shiro Kuramata-How High the Moon Armchairs for Vitra, 1986
Shiro Kuramata-How High the Moon Armchairs for Vitra, 1986

Shiro Kuramata-How High the Moon Armchairs for Vitra, 1986

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The "How High the Moon" armchair, a masterpiece conceived by the esteemed Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata, is crafted from nickel-plated steel mesh and produced by Vitra in Switze...

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1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Stainless Steel

Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1980s
Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1980s

Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1980s

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1980s German Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1980s
Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1980s

Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1980s

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Shiro Kuramata How High the Moon Chair, circa 1991

Shiro Kuramata How High the Moon Chair, circa 1991

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H 28.25 in W 37.25 in D 32.5 in

Shiro Kuramata How High the Moon Chair, circa 1991

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Iconic Post-Modern design from Shiro Kuramata. Early example with dated Vitra label from 1991. In very good to excellent condition.

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1990s German Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Shiro Kuramata Steel chair, 1986
Shiro Kuramata Steel chair, 1986

Shiro Kuramata Steel chair, 1986

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H 27.96 in W 37.01 in D 31.89 in

Shiro Kuramata Steel chair, 1986

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Uccle, BE

Epoxy coated nickel-plated steel "How High the Moon" Armchair by Shiro Kuramata, Japan / Germany (Vitra), 1986-1987. Kuramata was mainly known for his use of industrial materials such as wire steel mesh and plexiglass to create architectural interiors and furniture. Revolutionary pieces such as the "How High the Moon" chair reflect the emerging dynamism and maturing creativity of postwar Japan. Vitra label on bottom. Kuramata was born in 1934. He was part of a generation of Japanese creatives born just before the outbreak of Second World War, who are considered to have transformed the way Japan was viewed by the outside world. This generation included Kuramata's friends and collaborators who were famous members of the Japanese design and architecture circle at the time, including Issey Miyake, Yokoo Tadanori, Isozaki Arata...

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Late 20th Century Japanese Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Steel

Shiro Kuramata Steel Sing Armchair for Xo, Japanese Design, 1985
Shiro Kuramata Steel Sing Armchair for Xo, Japanese Design, 1985

Shiro Kuramata Steel Sing Armchair for Xo, Japanese Design, 1985

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Antwerp, BE

Shiro Kuramata; Armchair; Memphis member; Sing sing; Steel wire mesh: 1985 Japanese steel wire mesh "Sing Sing Sing" armchair by Shiro Kuramata. The chairs feature roll form backs...

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata Pair of Armchairs Green Leather and Chrome Italy Vintage Patina
Shiro Kuramata Pair of Armchairs Green Leather and Chrome Italy Vintage Patina

Shiro Kuramata Pair of Armchairs Green Leather and Chrome Italy Vintage Patina

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Catania, IT

Armchairs designed by Shiro Kuramata in 1970s. Pair of armchairs with a chromed tubular structure that appears to be light and with a simplified design. These have a long rectangul...

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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Chrome

Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair
Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair

Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Epoxy coated nickel-plated steel "How High the Moon" Armchair by Shiro Kuramata, Japan / Germany, 1986-1987.     

Category

1980s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

Shiro Kuramata Armchair
Shiro Kuramata Armchair

Shiro Kuramata Armchair

Sold

H 31.5 in W 20.87 in D 20.87 in

Shiro Kuramata Armchair

By Shiro Kuramata

Located in Dronten, NL

Armchair designed by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe. Provenance: Pastoe new old stock. These beautiful chairs were made in very limited numbers, because at the time (1985) Pastoe was ...

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1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Steel

Shiro Kuramata seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Shiro Kuramata seating 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 seating, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 20 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 4 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Shiro Kuramata were created in the modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Garouste and Bonetti, René Herbst, and Louis Durot. Prices for Shiro Kuramata seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,000 and can go as high as $55,892, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,008.