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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
Shiro Kuramata-How High the Moon Armchairs for Vitra, 1986
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in PARIS, FR
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...
Category

1980s Japanese Minimalist Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Sing Sing Sing Chair by Shiro Kuramata for XO
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Naples, FL
Origin: Japan / France, Produced by XO - 1985 Chrome is in excellent condition
Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

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

Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Armchair
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, minimalist, modern, sleek, unique—a marvelous chair. Featured in the famous coffee table book: 1000 Chairs, Köln, 2000, p. 574 Title: "Sing, Sing, Sing" Armchair Designe...
Category

Late 20th Century French Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

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

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

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

Shiro Kuramata 1985 Sing Sing Sing Armchair
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the Sing Sing Sing armchair, a stunning and iconic piece of furniture designed by Shiro Kuramata in 1985 and produced by xO in France. This ...
Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1980s
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early "High the Moon" chair designed by Shiro Kuramata and produced by Vitra in 1986. In great original condition with almost no signs of age and use. A spectacular and icon...
Category

1980s German Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1980s
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early "High High The Moon" chair designed by Shiro Kuramata and produced by Vitra in 1986. In great original condition with almost no signs of age and use. A spectacular...
Category

1980s German Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

“Sing Sing” Chair by Shiro Kuramata for XO, France 1970
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A fantastic “Sing Sing” chair designed by Shiro Kuramata, manufactured by XO in France in the 1980s. This exceptional chair features a distinctive, architectural form that capture...
Category

1970s French Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

Shiro Kuramata Sofa With Arms in Chromed Tubular Metal for Cappellini
By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
An homage to the masters of early 20th century modernism, the sofa with arms armchair by Shiro Kuramata has a structure made of chromed tubular metal, p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal, Chrome

"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

Shiro Kuramata 01 Chair in Polished Chrome or Matte Varnish for Cappellini
By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Created as a tribute to the 1980s, the decade during which the original design was made and when Shiro Kuramata began his fertile collaboration with Cappellini, sedia 01 chair featur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Iron

1960s Japanese "Sing Sing" Steel Mesh Armchair by Shiro Kuramata
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in New York, 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 Wire Mesh Arm Chair
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in New York, 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 Sofa with Arms in White Leather and Metal Base for Cappellini
By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
An homage to the masters of early 20th century modernism, the sofa with arms armchair by Shiro Kuramata has a structure made of chromed tubular metal, padded with polyurethane foam a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Shiro Kuramata 01 Chair in Anthracite Base and Cream Leather Seat for Cappellini
By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Created as a tribute to the 1980s, the decade during which the original design was made and when Shiro Kuramata began his fertile collaboration with Cappellini, sedia 01 chair featur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Iron

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

Pair of 1960s Japanese "Sing Sing" Armchairs by Shiro Kuramata
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1960s Japanese steel wire mesh "Sing Sing" armchairs by Shiro Kuramata. The chairs feature roll form backs and seats supported on a tubular chro...
Category

1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata, How High the Moon, Vitra Edition
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Untersiggenthal, AG
Vitra limited 1. Edition with sticker Label produced in 1991.
Category

1990s European Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

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Shiro Kuramata 1985 Sing Sing Sing Armchair
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Shiro Kuramata Sofa With Arms in Chromed Tubular Metal for Cappellini
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White Chrome Vinyl Shiro Chair, Kuramata Tribute, in Stock (80s style)
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The Shiro chair comes in several colors, custom or supplied by owner fabrics. Its language is a classic take on modern movement furniture pieces such as Mies Van Der Rohe's Barcelona chair, and especially a tribute to the Japanese designer...
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1960s Japanese "Sing Sing" Steel Mesh Armchair by Shiro Kuramata
By Shiro Kuramata
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1900s French Upholstered Dining Chairs, Set of Six
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A set of six wooden upholstered dining chairs from France, circa 1900. Rich, dark wood offset by the pale gray upholstery of the seats...
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Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Blue Chrome Vinyl Shiro Chair, Kuramata Tribute, Ideal for Waiting Areas (80s)
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It seats two people back to back or one next to each other. Made in Italy Its language is a classic take on modern movement furniture pieces such as Mies Van Der Rohe's Barcelona cha...
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Mr B. Oak Armchair
By Aeterna Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Homage to our favorite chairs. Solid oak dining chair with bamboo shape.
Category

2010s Mexican Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Mr B. Oak Armchair
Mr B. Oak Armchair
H 35 in W 23.5 in D 27 in
Shiro Kuramata 01 Chair in Polished Chrome or Matte Varnish for Cappellini
By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Created as a tribute to the 1980s, the decade during which the original design was made and when Shiro Kuramata began his fertile collaboration with Cappellini, sedia 01 chair featur...
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

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1985 Rare Postmodern Side Chair by Denis Balland For Fermob France
By Fermob
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Whimsical folding chair rare hard to find, Lacquered steel frame with plastic rollers for folding, seat and back of lacquered wood slats. Designed by Denis Balland...
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20th Century Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Previously Available Items
Shiro Kuramata How High the Moon Armchairs, Vitra, 1986
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Lille, Hauts-de-France
“How High the Moon” armchair by the Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata in nickel-plated steel mesh, manufactured by Vitra, Germany, the model designed in 1...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

Shiro Kuramata How High the Moon Chair, circa 1991
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Iconic Post-Modern design from Shiro Kuramata. Early example with dated Vitra label from 1991. In very good to excellent condition.
Category

1990s German Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata Steel chair, 1986
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Brussels, 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...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Post-Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata Steel chair, 1986
Shiro Kuramata Steel chair, 1986
H 27.96 in W 37.01 in D 31.89 in
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...
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1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Steel

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

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Chrome

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.     
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1980s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

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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 ...
Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Steel

Shiro Kuramata Armchair
Shiro Kuramata Armchair
H 31.5 in W 20.87 in D 20.87 in
Shiro Kuramata " How High the Moon " Chair for Vitra
By Vitra, Shiro Kuramata
Located in Costa Mesa, 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 Seating

Materials

Nickel

Pair of Sing Sing Sing Original Yellow Steel Chairs, Shiro Kuramata Pastoe 1985
By Shiro Kuramata, Pastoe
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of modern "Sing Sing Sing" chairs designed by Shiro Kuramata, manufactured by Pastoe, Netherlands, in 1985, before the XO Editions. A first edition and original condition, for t...
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1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Chrome, Steel

Sofa with Arms Shiro Kuramata
By Cappellini, Shiro Kuramata
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Sofa with arms designed by Shiro Kuramata. Artificial leather model. Displaying inly piece, Excellent condition.      
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1980s German Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Metal

Sofa with Arms Shiro Kuramata
Sofa with Arms Shiro Kuramata
H 25.6 in W 24.41 in D 35.44 in
How High the Moon by Shiro Kuramata Vitra Limited Edition
By Shiro Kuramata, Vitra
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
How high the moon designed by Shiro Kuramata Lounge chair made of expanded metal. Vitra quit producing it circa 2009.  
Category

1980s German Post-Modern Vintage Shiro Kuramata Seating

Materials

Metal

Shiro Kuramata "Sofa with Arms" Lounge Chair, Steel, Leather, Cappellini, 1990s
By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini
Located in High Point, NC
A vintage example of Shiro Kuramatas "Sofa with Arms", produced by Cappellini in the 1990s. This chair was originally designed for the Esprit House, Tokyo, in 1982.  
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1990s Italian Modern Shiro Kuramata Seating

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Steel, Chrome

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.

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