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
$3,645Sale Price / item|10% Off
H 18.75 in W 19 in D 15.5 in
'SN3' Wood and Metal Stool in the Manner of Pierre Chareau
By Robert Mallet-Stevens, Pierre Chareau, Maison Paname
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'SN3' Wood and Metal Stool in the Manner of Pierre Chareau Handcrafted in the Los Angeles and French workshops of noted French designer and antiques dealer Denis de le Mesiere...
Steel
$1,113
H 16.54 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in
Italian Vintage Piano Stool, Solid Wood & Brass, Velvet, 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
An Italian vintage 20th-century stool or piano stool, reupholstered in a soft velvet taupe grey seat with a subtle floral pattern. It is composed of solid wood, beautiful brass criss...
Brass
$2,200 / 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
$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
Amy, Solid Walnut Side Table / Stool
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a solid walnut side table or small stool. The profile is asymmetrical and architectural while celebrating the natural wood elements. ...
Walnut
$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
Sculptural Mango Wood Side Table or Stool, Organic Modern Design
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural round side table or stool. Its neutral pigment makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece certain to invoke conversation. It w...
Wood, Fruitwood
$2,975 / set
H 23.5 in W 22 in D 22 in
Pair French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman Stools / Slipper Chairs, Alexandre Noll
By Alexandre Noll
Located in New York, NY
Two Exquisite French Mid-Century Modern Craftsman slipper chairs / stools or benches in hardwood. Each seat is carved from a single block of wood in the spirit of the French master,...
Hardwood
$5,467 / 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
Log Stool Side Table with Brass Inlay by Marcantonio
By MARCANTONIO, Scarlet Splendour
Located in Kolkata, IN
Log stool side table with brass inlay by Marcantonio has a playful form with brass and resin inlay. It can be used as a seat or a side table. For his debut creations, Marcantonio ...
Brass
$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