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.
Polished Brass Gold Lotus Pedestal/Planter Stand/Accent Table by Zhipeng Tan
By Zhipeng Tan
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The Lotus pedestal is a great accent piece in the interior. It is handmade by renowned Chinese artist Zhipeng Tan and can be customized in size and color. About the artist: Sin...
Brass
Polished Brass Lotus Pedestal/Planter Stand/Accent Table 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...
Brass
Small Travertine Cube Pedestal
Located in Chicago, IL
This minimalist block-form table is shaped of pale travertine tile with clean lines and balanced proportions. The small display stand exemplifies Organic Modern style with chiseled edges, smoothed sides and the irregular, natural patterning of stone. The simple cube form is ideal as a tabletop pedestal...
Travertine
Pair of English Carved Giltwood Torchère Stands or Pedestals
By James Moore
Located in London, GB
A good pair of candle stands in the manner of James Moore Constructed in well carved giltwood, rising from ‘S’ form tripartite scrolled feet, dressed with foliates, supporting lot...
Giltwood
$5,624 / item
H 49.61 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Modern Martin Pedestal Sculpture Black Gold Leaf Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Martin Pedestal Stand, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. Martin is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance any interior. A unique design with co...
Onyx, Marble, Gold Leaf
$3,164
H 48.3 in W 11.7 in D 11.7 in
Antique Early 1900s Majestic Hand Carved Oak Display Sculpture Stand / Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning classical style display column with a wonderful and warm patina. This marvelous piece of early 20th century workmanship is another fine example of the quality that was made in those days. All handcrafted out of oak and beautifully patinated from top to bottom this antique stand is a real eyecatcher and over the many decades the patina has only made this antique more attractive. This highly stylish, strong and very stable stand will easily take one of your heavier sculptures as well. The combination of the circular, heavy stem with its classical carvings and cannelures and the square base and table top make this stylish antique an absolute joy to own and look at. Apart from a few minor imperfections, this antique display stand...
Wood, Oak
$4,453 / item
H 42.52 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Modern Flute Column, Black Pedestal Sculpture, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Flute Column, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. The Flute column is a bold statement of contrast and rhythm, bringing depth and character to a...
Brass
A Patinated Steel Cube Pedestal Custom Made Minimalist Design
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A patinated steel cube. Made by a RISDI sculptor, each side has a unique surface. Heavy, approx. 3.6mm thick with adjustable gliders on the bottom of the cube.
Steel
$6,093 / item
H 42.52 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Modern Monique Marble Column, Calacatta, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Monique Marble Column, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Monique marble column, carved from exquisite Calacatta Cremo marble, embodies timeless sophisticati...
Onyx, Travertine, Marble, Carrara Marble, Quartz, Statuary Marble
$12,000 / item
H 40 in W 16 in D 16 in
Industrial Dent Black Steel Sculpture/Pedestal, One of a Kind by James DeMartis
By James DeMartis
Located in East Hampton, NY
Precision crafted rectangle with crushed corner. Makes ideal conversation piece. Can act as a stand alone sculpture or lectern or pedestal. Welded fabrication and artfully “deconstru...
Steel
$3,500
H 33 in Dm 21 in
Varnished Driftwood Root Natural Organic Wood Pedestal Side End Table Stand Nice
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice example varnished driftwood root natural organic wood pedestal side end table stand mint!
Driftwood
Stylish, Late 1800s Handmade Italian, Alabaster Column, Pedestal or Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful Roman column for displaying a work of art. This piece is composed of eight stacked segments, forming a beautifully twisted column inspired by ancient Roman and Baroque des...
Alabaster
$7,265
H 60.24 in W 21.66 in D 12.6 in
Modern Snail Pedestal Sculpture Beige Brass Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Snail decorative Pedestal, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. Snail is the perfect standing piece of art to enhance any interior. A unique design with...
Gold Leaf, Brass
Art Deco Style Pair of Blonde Figured Walnut Column Stand Pedestals
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration are these lovely and super stylish pair of pedestals in the Art Deco style. Perfect for displaying your Art Deco treasures, perhaps a figure, bust or plant. Co...
Walnut
Sold
H 47.25 in W 21.66 in D 17.72 in
Polished Brass Lotus Pedestal/Planter Stand/Accent Table 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...
Brass