Shiro Kuramata, Sing Sing Sing chair
Born in Tokyo in 1934, Shiro Kuramata attended Tokyo Polytechnic high school, where he studied woodworking before graduating in 1953. He then went on to study interior design at Tokyo's Kuwazawa Institute for Design, where he continued his studies until 1956. In 1957, Kuramata began working for a Tokyo department store called San-Ai, where he designed window displays.
He then worked briefly as a freelance designer for the largest retail company, Matsuy, before founding his own studio in 1965.
Kuramata's designs are characterized by his passion for experimentation, such as his use of industrial materials in interior and furniture design. He also marries the Japanese concept of the unity of the arts with modern Western culture. He has designed approximately 300 bars and restaurants as well as some of the most iconic pieces of the 20th century, including the breathtaking Drawer in an Irregular Form (1977), the Miss Blanche chair (1988) with red acrylic resin rosebuds, and The Glass Chair (1976). His designs have been produced by firms such as Cappellini, Fijiko, Ishimaru, Vitra and other renowned companies. During the 1980s, he designed several pieces as a member of the Memphis Group Ettore Sottsass, as well as three design boutiques for Issey Miyake. In 1988, Kuramata moved to Paris and set up his studio there. His work includes, among others, the permanent collection of the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Museum of Modern Art in Toyama.
Created in 1985, this chair, called "Sing Sing Sing", displays a streamlined design and modern style.
Structure in welded steel tube. Seat and back in expanded metal
Designer: Shiro Kuramata
Edition: XO
Dimensions: 89 x 54 x 59 cm
Born in Tokyo in 1934, Shiro Kuramata attended Tokyo Polytechnic high school, where he studied woodworking before graduating in 1953. He then went on to study interior design at Tokyo's Kuwazawa Institute for Design until 1956. In 1957, Kuramata began working for a Tokyo store called San-Ai, where he designed window displays.
He then worked briefly as a freelance designer for the largest sales company, Matsuy, before founding his own studio in 1965.
Kuramata's creations are characterized by his passion for experimentation, such as his use of industrial materials in interior and furniture design. He also blends the Japanese concept of unity of the arts with modern Western culture. He has designed approximately 300 bars and restaurants as well as some of the most iconic pieces of the 20th century, including the stunning Drawer in an Irregular Form (1977), the Miss White Flesh (1988) with red acrylic resin rosebuds and The Glass Chair (1976). His designs have been produced by firms such as Cappellini, Fijiko, Ishimaru, Vitra and other renowned companies. During the 1980s, he designed several pieces as a member of the Memphis Group Ettore Sottsass, as well as three design boutiques for Issey Miyake. In 1988, Kuramata moved to Paris and set up his studio there. His work includes, among others, the permanent collection of the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Museum of Modern Art in Toyama.
Created in 1985, this chair, named "Sing Sing Sing" has a streamlined design and modern style.
Structure in welded steel tube. Seat and backrest in expanded metal
Designer: Shiro Kuramata
Edition: XO
Dimensions: 89 x 54 x 59 cm