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.
Nara Serving Table, by Shiro Kuramata for Memphis Milano Collection
By Shiro Kuramata, Memphis Group
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Shiro Kuramata 1983 Service table made with the traditional technique of terrazzo in concrete conglomerate and coloured glass. Nara perfectly combines the Japanese aesthetic traditi...
Concrete
English Antiqued Serving Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A mahogany and reclaimed oak veneered serving table, the galleried top and undertaker with a glass overlay, on spiral turned legs joined by an under tier fitted with two drawers, on ...
Wood
Elba Serving Table Ivory
By Arcahorn Srl.
Located in Milan, IT
Elba table has dimensions cm 70 x 46 x H 77, but since it's a pliant it can be stocked anywhere. This little but useful serving table has a tray made of horn, and the structure is ma...
Wood
$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 Memphis Group, Shiro Kuramata
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
$7,850
H 27.75 in W 80 in D 21 in
Serving Table on Casters by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Expertly Refinished
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare serving / console table with drawer designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. Highly figured walnut top and dark mahogany base and brass casters. We acquired this from the o...
Brass
Azafata Serving Cart by Esteban Agulló for AG, Spain, 1974
Located in Barcelona, ES
Serving bar cart model Azafata designed by Esteban Agulló for AG, Spain, 1974. Stained and curved beech wood with a smoked glass top. Two support surfaces and space for bottles.
Glass, Beech
Mahogany Serving Table
Located in Annville, PA
This beautiful Mahogany Serving Table is a great addition in the dining room. As a serving cart it features a brass gallery and fitted brass feet as well. Four satin wood banded draw...
Mahogany
$1,200
H 24.02 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Italian modern black wood coffee table Ko-Ko Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini, 1986
By Cappellini, Shiro Kuramata
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black wood coffee table Ko-Ko Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini, 1986 Coffee table mod. Ko-Ko in black wood with a square base. On ...
Metal
GLASS TABLE 1976, by Shiro Kuramata for Glas Italia
By Shiro Kuramata, Glas Italia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Shown here is the glass table 1976. The low table characterised by the very refined minimal aspect with feet in mm. 24 thick transparent glass, thermo-welded to the top in mm. 12 thi...
Glass
Regency Mahogany Serving Table
Located in Essex, MA
Great quality wood. Rectangular breakfront form top with molded frieze with drawers at each end raised on lion head monopodia terminating on paw feet joining a lower shelf with reces...
Mahogany
French Classic Serving Table
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
French Classic serving table. 2 trays with mirror.
Brass
Serving Table by Enzo Mari for Alessi
By Alessi, Enzo Mari
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Modern serving table designed by Enzo Mari for Alessi in 1989. Handlebars above a cylindrical shaft side support, on three wheels, stamped Alessi. Biography A world-famous designer...
Aluminum
Nice serving table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Charmante déserte par Mathieu Matégot, vers 1950. Peinture d’origine.
Metal
Ko-Ko Table by Shiro Kuramata
By Shiro Kuramata, Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Service table "Ko-Ko" in black-stained ash and polished chrome, designed by Shiro Kuramata and produced by Cappelini, c. 1990's. One of many successful post-modern designs by Memphi...
Chrome