Zhipeng Tan creates provocative furniture with metal alloys that merges abstraction and Pop art with forms inspired by the natural world. The contemporary Chinese designer’s chairs and stools are topped with seats that mimic the shapes of flower petals, while the graceful legs of his audacious polished brass side tables and dining tables resemble molten gold.
Tan graduated from the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou with a degree in industrial design. Enamored with the organic silhouettes that populate the great outdoors, he grew increasingly interested in sculpture and drew on natural forms in his work, with molded brass as his vehicle for expression. Tan employs the ancient technique of lost-wax casting, which sees metal objects and furnishings cast from wax models. He then trims, welds and polishes the parts to craft tables and seating that are distinctive and unconventional works of art-furniture that are wholly sculptural but serve a functional purpose in one’s living room. In 2015, Tan cofounded the Shanghai-based Mán-Mán Studio with Daishi Luo, a furniture designer and sculptor who studied metal art at Huafan University in Taiwan.
Tan is known for his brass 33 Step chair, which draws heavily on the human anatomy and is named for the 33 vertebrae found in the human spine. Many of his console and coffee tables appear as though the metal table top has reverted to its molten state, with a range of droplet-shaped brass forms at each corner serving as table legs, while smaller elements are “suspended” inches above the floor along the table's underside, creating a striking visual effect.
Many have suggested that Tan’s influences include English sculptor Henry Moore, Catalan artist Joan Miró and Japanese Pop artist Takashi Murakami. Notable firms such as Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Ingrao Inc. and David Scott Interiors have purchased his semi-abstract creations, and Tan’s work can be found in the collections of the Columbus Museum of Art, the HE Art Museum and the Centre Pompidou.
Find Zhipeng Tan furniture on 1stDibs.
"Hide and Seek" Figurative Table Lamp Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan
By Zhipeng Tan
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This lovely table lamp is designed and made by renown artist Zhipeng Tan. Size and color is customizable upon request, lead time is 45-60 days. Since graduating with an industria...
Brass
$11,183
H 9.84 in W 7.87 in D 4.92 in
Meissen Three Girls Playing Hide and Seek by Theodore Eichler Model W 115
By Theodore Eichler
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen rarest group of figurines: Three Girls Playing Hide and Seek by Theodore Eichler. Size: height 25.0 cm (= 9.84 inches) width 20.0 cm (= 7.87 inches) depth 12.5 cm (= 4...
Porcelain
$3,767 / item
H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 9.85 in
Freevolle Lady Table Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Raffia & Brass Handmade in Italy
By Sabrina Landini
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The timeless “Made-in-Italy” celebrates the graceful Italian manufacture and offers new life expression at the Maison Sabrina Landini. Creativity explores ...
Brass
$1,862 / item
H 23.63 in Dm 14.57 in
Handmade geometric sand ceramic and brass table lamp, minimalist styled. Brazil
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Minimalist-styled sand ceramic table lamp reveals the textures and colors gradian of its materials, handmade movements, and unexpected organic form. Slowly air-dried for more than 30 days, until it reaches a few hours into a low temperature hoven, to reach its final color and form. During all this process, the clay disc will take an unexpected organics movement in its form, almost like a living material, making each object unique in its details and colors. The brass part would be added at the end and tailored for each piece. The sculpture results in a process of hand modeling and details carving of grey...
Brass
$4,708 / item
H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 9.85 in
Freevolle Lady Table Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Rose Silk & Brass, Made in Italy
By Sabrina Landini
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The timeless “Made-in-Italy” celebrates the graceful Italian manufacture and offers new life expression at the Maison Sabrina Landini. Creativity explores ...
Brass
$7,809 / item
H 18.51 in Dm 15.75 in
'Cosmic Solstice Aurum' Table Lamp, Handmade High Polished Brass Table Light
By Eva Menz for Atelier001
Located in London, England
Drawing inspiration from planet-like shapes and textures, the Cosmic collection artfully combines metal properties with a curated selection of patina finishes. Crafted with highly polished, hand-spun brass plates, the Solstice Aurum table light takes shape in a distinctive and gentle silhouette. Softly illuminated by integrated LED elements from within, this table light is complemented by its finely high-polished brass framework, making it a sculptural centrepiece that sits elegantly in both contemporary and vintage-inspired interiors. It’s important to note that each piece is meticulously handmade, ensuring a uniqueness that distinguishes it in its own way. Dimensions: Dia. 40cm (15.75"), height 47cm (18.5") Base dia. 20cm (7.87") Weight: 6kg (13.2lbs) Materials: High polished brass shade...
Brass
Hollywood Regency Sculptural Brass Cock Table Lamp
Located in Verviers, BE
Gorgeous table lamp with wooden base , made in France during the 1960s. In excellent condition (Original Patina) and in full working order And safe for usage in the World with Euro...
Brass
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.25 in W 21.63 in D 6 in
Arthur Court Polished Aluminum Tortoise Shell Lamp
By Arthur Court
Located in Chicago, IL
Back lit, cast aluminum tortoise or turtle shell table lamp by Aurthur Court. Pierced opening surround the shell to let in as well as frame the piece. Mounted on a cast aluminum base...
Aluminum
$4,708 / item
H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 9.85 in
Freevolle Lady Table Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Raffia & Brass, Handmade in Italy
By Sabrina Landini
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The timeless “Made-in-Italy” celebrates the graceful Italian manufacture and offers new life expression at the Maison Sabrina Landini. Creativity explores ...
Brass
$4,708 / item
H 17.72 in W 15.75 in D 9.85 in
Freevolle Lady Table Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Brass, White Shade, Handmade Italy
By Sabrina Landini
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The Freevolle Lady lamp captures a quiet elegance, with its refined curves, delicate and airy silhouette, it moves with grace—striking the perfect balance b...
Brass
$4,708 / item
H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 9.85 in
Freevolle Lady Table Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Raffia & Brass, Handmade in Italy
By Sabrina Landini
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The timeless “Made-in-Italy” celebrates the graceful Italian manufacture and offers new life expression at the Maison Sabrina Landini. Creativity explores ...
Brass
$4,708 / item
H 17.72 in W 15.75 in D 9.85 in
Freevolle Lady Table Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Brass, Tree Shade, Handmade Italy
By Sabrina Landini
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The Freevolle Lady lamp captures a quiet elegance, with its refined curves, delicate and airy silhouette, it moves with grace—striking the perfect balance b...
Brass
$4,708 / item
H 17.72 in W 15.75 in D 9.85 in
Freevolle Lady Table Lamp by Sabrina Landini, Brass, Red Shade, Handmade Italy
By Sabrina Landini
Located in Pietrasanta, IT
FREEVOLLE Twist and go! The Freevolle Lady lamp captures a quiet elegance, with its refined curves, delicate and airy silhouette, it moves with grace—striking the perfect balance b...
Brass