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Zhipeng Tan Seating

Chinese

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.

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Creator: Zhipeng Tan
Polished Brass "33 Step" Bar Chair/Stool by Zhipeng Tan
Polished Brass "33 Step" Bar Chair/Stool by Zhipeng Tan

Polished Brass "33 Step" Bar Chair/Stool by Zhipeng Tan

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Tan’s practice, since graduating from the China Academy of Art, has been focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. This ancient foundry process has created an intersection between Tan’s interest in heritage casting techniques and organic forms. The forms designed by Tan vary from being environmental (water drops, tree roots) to being figurative (spinal cords, pelvic structures). The Lily collection brings together the botanical and human motifs most explicitly. The tension between the two references cause the works to become abstracted and take on a slightly surreal quality, whilst maintaining functionality. The 33 Step chair...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

33 Step Chair Large Polished Brass Bone Chair by Zhipeng Tan
33 Step Chair Large Polished Brass Bone Chair by Zhipeng Tan

33 Step Chair Large Polished Brass Bone Chair by Zhipeng Tan

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This visceral and sculptural chair is designed and made by renown artist Zhipeng Tan. Size and color is customizable upon request, lead time is 45-60 days. We ship internationally. Since graduating with an industrial design degree from the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, Zhipeng Tan has focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. Through this foundry process, rich in heritage and tradition, Tan explores his interest in organic forms. Often inspired by his environmental surroundings, such as water and plants, he explores anthropomorphic themes, as well. Though trained as an industrial designer, he has become an accomplished self-taught sculptor, eagerly exploring the elastic and permeable boundaries between art and design and finding a harmonious fusion of sculpture and furniture, provocative objects of both beauty and utility. Though from his early work, one may sense the influence of Joan Miró, Henry Moore and Constantin Brancusi, and in his more recent pieces there is a nod to the Post-Pop sensibilities of Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami, the work of Zhipeng Tan is thoroughly original, an expression of his exuberance and imagination. In all of his work, one may see an exploration of our fundamental humanity and a desire to discover worlds within worlds. From the 33 Step Chair...

Category

2010s Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

Lotus Sofa Polished Stainless Steel by Zhipeng Tan
Lotus Sofa Polished Stainless Steel by Zhipeng Tan

Lotus Sofa Polished Stainless Steel by Zhipeng Tan

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Tan’s practice, since graduating from the China Academy of Art, has been focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. This ancient foundry process has created an intersectio...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Zhipeng Tan, Brass 'Surf 'Large'' Bench, Tantan Collection
Zhipeng Tan, Brass 'Surf 'Large'' Bench, Tantan Collection

Zhipeng Tan, Brass 'Surf 'Large'' Bench, Tantan Collection

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Zhipeng Tan’s ‘Surf’ bench embodies and further extends the concept of his most iconic collection, TanTan collection. “This year, we have been forced to iso...

Category

2010s Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

Lotus Stool Side Table Polished Brass Gold End Table Organic Form
Lotus Stool Side Table Polished Brass Gold End Table Organic Form

Lotus Stool Side Table Polished Brass Gold End Table Organic Form

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The Lotus stool can be used also as a side table/end table or an accent piece in the interior. It is handmade by renowned Chinese artist Zhipeng Tan and ca...

Category

2010s Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

33 Step Tail Chair Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan
33 Step Tail Chair Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan

33 Step Tail Chair Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This visceral and sculptural chair is designed and made by renown artist Zhipeng Tan. Size and color is customizable upon request, lead time is 45-60 days. We ship internationally. Since graduating with an industrial design degree from the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, Zhipeng Tan has focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. Through this foundry process, rich in heritage and tradition, Tan explores his interest in organic forms. Often inspired by his environmental surroundings, such as water and plants, he explores anthropomorphic themes, as well. Though trained as an industrial designer, he has become an accomplished self-taught sculptor, eagerly exploring the elastic and permeable boundaries between art and design and finding a harmonious fusion of sculpture and furniture, provocative objects of both beauty and utility. Though from his early work, one may sense the influence of Joan Miró, Henry Moore and Constantin Brancusi, and in his more recent pieces there is a nod to the Post-Pop sensibilities of Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami, the work of Zhipeng Tan is thoroughly original, an expression of his exuberance and imagination. In all of his work, one may see an exploration of our fundamental humanity and a desire to discover worlds within worlds. From the 33 Step...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

Polished Brass 33 Step Chair by Zhipeng Tan
Polished Brass 33 Step Chair by Zhipeng Tan

Polished Brass 33 Step Chair by Zhipeng Tan

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Tan’s practice, since graduating from the China Academy of Art, has been focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. This ancient foundry process has created an intersection between Tan’s interest in heritage casting techniques and organic forms. The forms designed by Tan vary from being environmental (water drops, tree roots) to being figurative (spinal cords, pelvic structures). The Lily collection brings together the botanical and human motifs most explicitly. The tension between the two references cause the works to become abstracted and take on a slightly surreal quality, whilst maintaining functionality. The 33 step chair...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

Lotus Lounge Chair 'Brass' by Zhipeng Tan
Lotus Lounge Chair 'Brass' by Zhipeng Tan

Lotus Lounge Chair 'Brass' by Zhipeng Tan

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Tan’s practice, since graduating from the China Academy of Art, has been focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. This ancient foundry process has created an intersectio...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

Polished Brass Lotus Console Table/Telephone Table/Entryway Table in Gold Color
Polished Brass Lotus Console Table/Telephone Table/Entryway Table in Gold Color

Polished Brass Lotus Console Table/Telephone Table/Entryway Table in Gold Color

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Tan’s practice, since graduating from the China Academy of Art, has been focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. This ancient foundry process has created an intersectio...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

33 Step Lounge Chair Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan
33 Step Lounge Chair Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan

33 Step Lounge Chair Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This visceral and sculptural chair is designed and made by renown artist Zhipeng Tan. Size and color is customizable upon request, lead time is 45-60 days. We ship internationally. Since graduating with an industrial design degree from the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, Zhipeng Tan has focused on the ancient technique of lost-wax casting. Through this foundry process, rich in heritage and tradition, Tan explores his interest in organic forms. Often inspired by his environmental surroundings, such as water and plants, he explores anthropomorphic themes, as well. Though trained as an industrial designer, he has become an accomplished self-taught sculptor, eagerly exploring the elastic and permeable boundaries between art and design and finding a harmonious fusion of sculpture and furniture, provocative objects of both beauty and utility. Though from his early work, one may sense the influence of Joan Miró, Henry Moore and Constantin Brancusi, and in his more recent pieces there is a nod to the Post-Pop sensibilities of Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami, the work of Zhipeng Tan is thoroughly original, an expression of his exuberance and imagination. In all of his work, one may see an exploration of our fundamental humanity and a desire to discover worlds within worlds. From the 33 Step Chair...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

Polished Brass Lotus Stool/Chair in Gold or Rose Gold Color Finish
Polished Brass Lotus Stool/Chair in Gold or Rose Gold Color Finish

Polished Brass Lotus Stool/Chair in Gold or Rose Gold Color Finish

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

The forms designed by Tan vary from being environmental (water drops, tree roots) to being figurative (spinal cords, pelvic structures). The Lily collection brings together the botan...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

Zhipeng Tan, Brass 'Surf' Bench, TanTan Collection
Zhipeng Tan, Brass 'Surf' Bench, TanTan Collection

Zhipeng Tan, Brass 'Surf' Bench, TanTan Collection

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Zhipeng Tan’s ‘Surf’ bench embodies and further extends the concept of his most iconic collection, TanTan collection. “This year, we have been forced to iso...

Category

2010s Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

Echo Bench Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan
Echo Bench Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan

Echo Bench Polished Brass by Zhipeng Tan

By Zhipeng Tan

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This visceral and sculptural chair is designed and made by renown artist Zhipeng Tan. Size and color is customizable upon request, lead time is 45-60 days. We ship internationally. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Zhipeng Tan Seating

Materials

Brass

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Zhipeng Tan seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Zhipeng Tan 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 Zhipeng Tan seating, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Buzao, Frank Chou, and André Fu. Prices for Zhipeng Tan seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $12,000 and can go as high as $50,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $21,500.