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.
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...
Brass
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...
Brass
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...
Brass
$4,484
H 19 in W 24 in D 20 in
Satin Aluminum Magna Chair or Stool with Sheepskin Upholstery, Customizable
By Bestcase, Sight Unseen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Made from rolled aluminum — in a non-directional satin finish — and sheepskin, the Magna chair, designed by Charles Constantine, takes its inspiration from...
Aluminum
$1,900 / item
H 24 in W 35 in D 19 in
Solid Bentwood Side Chair Stool, Velvet Upholstery by Raka Studio
By Raka Studio
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO
A side/filler chair made in solid ashwood by bending wood. Three of the legs have been made using the wood-turning technique to adopt an abstract natural wave-like design. It has bee...
Velvet, Ash, Bentwood
$17,500 / item
H 37.41 in W 19.69 in D 15.75 in
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...
Brass
$975
H 17.72 in W 13.39 in D 11.82 in
Sculptural Side Table, Stool, Solid Wood, Oak, Handmade, Organic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique chainsaw carved wooden functional sculpture usable as a side table or a stool. Carved from a single piece of wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durabil...
Wood, Oak
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...
Brass
$1,610 / item
H 22 in W 17 in D 17 in
Organic Modern Solid Wood Oak Stool or Side Table by Last Workshop
By Last Workshop
Located in Chicago, IL
An organic modern style side table or stool made from solid white oak. Made by Last Workshop, 2023 White oak, dark oil finish. Measures: 17" diameter x 22"H Seat height: 18" ...
Oak
Walnut Staple Stool / Side Table
Located in Portland, OR
Oregon Black Walnut stool / side table is made to last. Handmade in Portland, Oregon with mortise and tenon joinery in Material's workshop. Availab...
Walnut
Juniper Stool
By Sun at Six
Located in San Jose, CA
A simple, versatile stool, designed to function as both accent and traditional seating. Its simple silhouette belies intricate construction, with 10 through-tenon joints used in the ...
Leather, Oak
$1,200 / item
H 19.69 in W 13.78 in D 11.03 in
Sculptural Stool / Side Table Solid Mango Wood Burnt Finish Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural stool or side table, with a mix of wood textures and shades. It features a waved design. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece, this chair was crafted fr...
Wood, Fruitwood
$1,500 / item
H 17.72 in W 23.23 in D 14.57 in
Sculptural Stool with Curved Seat Suar Wood, Burnt Finish, Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural stool with a curved seat. The stool's neutral pigment and subtle wood texture makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece. This...
Wood, Fruitwood
Carob Stool, Minimalist Kitchen Counter or Bar Stool
By Sun at Six
Located in San Jose, CA
For the Carob Stool, we designed around what we like in a stool - a wide, cushioned, comfortable seat, a practical footrest, and an easily moveable form fr...
Leather, Oak
$4,970 / item
H 20.87 in W 15.75 in D 21.66 in
Pianist Stool in Cream Shagreen, Palm Wood & Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The pianist stool...
Brass