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.
Kyoto Metal and Terrazo End Table, by Shiro Kuramata for Memphis Milano Collect.
By Memphis Group, Memphis Milano, Shiro Kuramata
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Kyoto end table in metal and terrazzo, designed in 1983 by Shiro Kuramata. Shiro Kuramata studied architecture at Tokyo Polytechnic in Tokyo unti...
Metal
Memphis Milano Hyatt Table by Ettore Sottsass
By Ettore Sottsass, Memphis Milano
Located in Toronto, ON
Imposing and superb, Hyatt by Ettore Sottsass evokes the structure of the classical column with the “capital” equal to the base. A side table that certainly does not go unnoticed for...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Vintage Gilt Metal Rope and Tassel End Tables
By Niccolini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of end tables, by Niccolini, each having a rectangular glass top, raised on four cabriole legs fashioned as rope, joined by matching, shaped stretcher, ending in tassel feet. ...
Metal
Clair End C Table by Autonomous Furniture
By Autonomous Furniture, Kirk Van Ludwig
Located in Victoria, BC
An end table that is always there when you need her, pulled up to a sofa for a cocktail or cup of tea, much like a best friend. The Clair End table was designed in a sleek silhouette of clear acrylic, adding a touch of brilliance, shown in a blackened oak tabletop inset into the acrylic base. This contemporary side table is light for ease of movement to pull up to your favourite seat. Meticulously handcrafted side table with sustainable materials. Contemporary wood side table contrasting with the polished acrylic legs. 16” L x 11.75” W x 25" H. Height under the tabletop to clear chair...
Acrylic, Oak, Walnut, Fir
$5,000
H 30.31 in W 23.62 in D 23.62 in
Memphis Table By Shiro Kuramata Sally Glass Chrome Rolling Table, 1987
By Shiro Kuramata, Memphis Group
Located in Vienna, AT
Round rolling table sally by Shiro Kuramata for Memphis, 1987 Dimensions are 30.31" x 23.35" x 23.35" Iconic table 'Sally' by Shiro Kuramata, Japan, 1987 for Memphis. Comprised of ...
Metal, Chrome
Stella End Tables, Customizable Wood, Metal, Resin and Metallic Powder
By Wüd Furniture Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The effortlessly chic Stella end tables feature a Lucite, metallic powder and epoxy resin tabletop and bronze and walnut base. Playful, yet sophistic...
Metal, Bronze
Repose End Table in Oiled Walnut by Zac Feltoon for Wooda
By Wooda, Zac Feltoon
Located in Omro, WI
Repose by Zac Feltoon for Wooda represents the balance between work and life. It was designed to conceal its function as a work surface until needed in a home or office environment. ...
Wood, Hardwood, Walnut
Parsons End Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A bleached walnut 'Parsons' end table.
Walnut
Wormley for Dunbar Cantilevered End Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in New York, NY
Cantilevered end table by Wormley for Dunbar. Original condition, and finish.We have separately listed the other end table, and matching coffee ta...
Primavera End Table Designed by Charles Pfister for Baker
By Charles Pfister, Baker Furniture Company
Located in New York, NY
Top quality Baker table designed by Charles Pfister, in exquisite original Primavera finish. Art Deco Revival, Postmodern period, circa 1990's. This example is in very good original ...
Wood
Mahogany End Table by Paul McCobb for Calvin, Irwin Collection
By Calvin Furniture, Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, bleached mahogany, end table by Paul McCobb for Calvin, Irwin Collection features a leather top with brass trim, caned lower shelf and nickel plated brass pulls. ...
Brass
Memphis Milano Mimosa Table by Ettore Sottsass
By Memphis Milano, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Toronto, ON
With its elementary shapes and delicate pastel colours, Mimosa by Ettore Sottsass seems to have come out of the world of childhood or dreams. This work asks us to free our imaginatio...
Glass, Laminate, Wood
$2,900 / item
H 21 in W 27 in D 27 in
Modern Industrial End/ Side Table by Peter Harrison. Metal and Mahogany Wood
By Peter Harrison
Located in Middle Grove, NY
The Mobius end tables are a perfect balance between air and mass. It features stainless steel cables twisted into a beautiful Mobius-like curve. The cables flex to the touch yet naturally return to their position. The frame is constructed with two X's of mahogany and non-traditional aluminium legs with a brushed finish. The top is 1/2" thick tempered glass. Please see my other listings for the Argon Coffee table- a perfect complement to these side tables. This listing is for a made to order table which can be made in several wood species or in dyed black Mahogany. The Mobius table...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel