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.
20th Century Shiro Kuramata Steel Mesh 'How High The Moon' Armchair For Vitra
By Shiro Kuramata, Vitra
Located in Madrid, ES
How High the Moon, designed by Shiro Kuramata for Vitra in 1986, is a poetic reflection on the very idea of the chair. Kuramata reinterprets one of the most recognizable forms of Wes...
Steel, Nickel
"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 ...
Metal
Black Metal Armchair "Sing Sing Sing" by Shiro Kuramata for XO Design, 1985
By Shiro Kuramata, XO Design
Located in Brussels, BE
Black Metal Armchair "Sing Sing Sing" by Shiro Kuramata for XO Design, 1985 Black tubular Steel Frame Expended Metal Mesh for the Seat Minimalist and Dynamic Silhouette
Metal, Steel, Steel Mesh
Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Metal Chair, circa 1985
By Shiro Kuramata, XO Design
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 age and use, preserving a beautif...
Steel
20th Century Blue Velvet Italian High Back Armchairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of 20th Century Italian blue velvet high-back armchairs. Mid-Century in style with wooden feet. With some signs of wear and chips to the rear of some feet.
Velvet, Wood
Philippe Starck Sonderbar armchair XO 1983
By Philippe Starck
Located in Grenoble, FR
Philippe Starck iconic armchair model Sonderbar which already represents all the concept orientations of this designer. Ultra-rare Disform Edition XO The chair is characterized by it...
Iron
$369Sale Price / set|70% Off
H 30.32 in W 25.2 in D 19.69 in
Retro vintage unusual 2x Blue Metal Framed 'Spider' Arm Chairs
Located in Markington, GB
Stunning Pair of Blue Metal Framed “Spider” Chairs A very unusual and striking pair of chairs featuring a blue metal frame in the distinctive “spider” desi...
Metal
Early 20th Century Straw Armchair
Located in Atlanta, GA
Charming early 20th century straw armchair featuring a solid wood frame and traditional woven seat construction. The chair combines rustic character with practical comfort, reflectin...
Straw, Wood
Early 20th Century French Armchair
Located in London, London
This French armchair showcases a blend of elegance and traditional craftsmanship. The chair features a sturdy oak frame, with its legs and arm supports intricately turned, adding a s...
Oak
Philippe Starck Dr. Sonderbar Chair for XO- France, 1980
By Philippe Starck, XO Design
Located in London, GB
Exaggerated curves of tubular steel and perforated sheet metal define The Dr Sonderbar Chair by French architect and designer Philippe Starck (b. 1949). Influenced by his childhood s...
Steel
Philippe Starck "Pat Conley 2" armchair for XO, France 1986
By XO Design, Philippe Starck
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pat Conley “Chair No. 2,” XO, France A striking example of late 20th-century design, defined by its fluid, sculptural, architectural lines and industrial materiality. Crafted in me...
Metal
$695
H 26 in W 23.125 in D 24.5 in
1960s Martin Visser Lounge Chair Enameled Metal Wood Arms White Upholstery
By 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Martin Visser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martin Visser lounge chair combines industrial design with refined comfort through its distinctive material palette. The black enameled metal frame creates geometric lines and struct...
Metal, Enamel
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.
Metal, Steel
$1,258
H 37.4 in W 17.71 in D 21.65 in
Mario Botta La Quinta chair for Alias, Switzerland 1985, One Chair
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Basel, BS
Fast Shipping, insured in 8-15 days. Mint condition original 1980s La Quinta chair by Mario Botta Chairs for Alias. One chair is left. During the 198...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Pair of Antique High Back Throne Armchairs, Early 20th Century
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful pair of early 20th century antique high-back throne armchairs featuring beautifully carved dark solid wood frames with elegant scroll arms and turned details throughout. Th...
Fabric, Wood
$2,125
H 30.71 in W 20.87 in D 18.12 in
Peregalli and Calatroni Post Modern Armchair, circa 1985, Italy
By Maurizio Peregalli
Located in Brussels, BE
Post-modern Maurizio Peregalli and Sergio Calatroni chair, edited by Zeus circa 1985, Italy. Poltrona model. Black powder-coated square steel tube, bl...
Metal
Early 20th Century Worpswede Armchair
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A Worpswede armchair from the 1910s/20s. Solidly crafted from oak with a removable rush-woven seat. Ready for everyday use. Dimensions Height: 63 cm (armrests) or 100 cm (backrest)...
Rush, Oak
$2,584
H 28.35 in W 21.26 in D 20.08 in
Philippe Starck Von Vogelsang Chair for Driade, circa 1985, France
By Philippe Starck
Located in Brussels, BE
Von Vogelsang chair by Philippe Starck for Driade, circa1985, France. Model created in 1985 for Cafe Rothschild. Tubular steel and perforated metal sheet...
Metal
$4,940
H 24.81 in W 35.44 in D 18.51 in
Iconic ‘Dr. Sonderbar’ armchair by Philippe Starck for XO, France 1983
Located in Antwerp, BE
An iconic ‘Dr. Sonderbar’ armchair, designed by Philippe Starck and produced by XO in France. The model was introduced in 1983 and is one of Starck’s most recognizable experimental s...
Steel
Sold
H 28.35 in W 36.62 in D 31.89 in
Shiro Kuramata "How High the Moon" Armchair in Steel Produced by Vitra, 1995
By Vitra, Shiro Kuramata
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....
Steel
Pair of Japanese Steel Mesh Armchairs
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Queens, NY
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...
Steel
Sold
H 28.35 in W 36.62 in D 31.89 in
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...
Steel
Sold
H 28.35 in W 36.62 in D 31.89 in
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...
Steel
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...
Steel
Sold
H 25.99 in W 24.41 in D 36.23 in
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...
Chrome
1980s Sing Sing Sing Chair by Shiro Kuramata for XO, France
By Shiro Kuramata, Philippe Starck
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Postmodern icon, the sing sing sing chair was designed by Shiro Kuramata in 1985 for the French manufacturer XO (co-founded by Philippe Starck). The ch...
Metal, Stainless Steel, Chrome
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).
Metal, Steel
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 ...
Steel
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 ...
Steel
Shiro Kuramata Armchair
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Dronten, NL
Armchair designed by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe. Provenance: Pastoe new old stock. These chairs were made in very limited numbers, because at the time (1985) Pastoe was in a very ...
Steel
"How High the Moon" Shiro Kuramata, 1986
By Shiro Kuramata
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...
Nickel, Steel
"How high the Moon" Shiro Kuramata, 1986
By Shiro Kuramata
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 1987-2...
Nickel, Steel
Sold
H 35.25 in W 20.25 in D 23 in
Chrome and Yellow Powder Coated "Sing Sing Sing" Armchair by Shiro Kuramata
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1985 Japanese wire mesh (powder coated in yellow) and chrome "Sing Sing Sing" armchair designed by Shiro Kuramata.
Chrome
Pair of 1960s Japanese "Sing Sing" Armchairs by Shiro Kuramata
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Queens, 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...
Steel