In the universe of Japanese design icons Designerbox is paying tribute to the great Shiro Kuramata, who left this world (too soon) in 1991 at the age of 57 but still haunts generations of young creators.He was a member of the well-known Memphis movement and a close friend of the designer Ettore Sotsass; he is the living symbol of a Japan open to the world. Minimalist and poetic,with a hint of humour, as shown in the chests of drawers Side 1 /Side 2 (1970), his work is also a hymn to frivolity.The exceedingly aerial armchair How High the moon (1986), made of steel mesh, Glass chair (1976), the Miss Blanche resin chair and the Feather stool (1988) with their red roses and feathers are iconic pieces that travel through time with an obviousness that forces us to admire them.
Even though Shiro Kuramata’s objects today are rare and inaccessible – a Feather stool was recently acquired for $40,000 – we can admire them at the major international museums (MOMA, Arts décoratifs, etc.) or in the beautiful biography published by Phaidon (www.Phaidon.com).
1. «How High The Moon» sofa, Design Shiro Kuramata
2. «Glass Chair», design Shiro Kuramata
3. «Miss Blanche» Chair, Shiro Kuramata
4. «Side 1», Design Shiro Kuramata / CAPELLINI
