Shiro Kuramata (1934-1991) for Yamagiwa Corporation
Oba-Q lamp
USA/Japan, 1972
acrylic, enameled steel
Yamagiwa sticker label and sticker on top of shade 'Design by Shiro Kuramata'
16 1/2"sq x 15 1/2"h
Very good condition. Free of cracks or repairs. Tested and working.
Kuramata’s designs are characterized by a passion for experimentation—such as using industrial materials in interior and furniture designs—and marrying the Japanese concept of unity of the arts with modern Western culture. He designed over 300 bars and restaurants, as well as some of the most iconic pieces of the 20th century, including his breakout design, the S-shaped Drawer in an Irregular Form (1977); the Miss Blanche chair (1988), featuring red paper rosebuds in acrylic resin; and the Glass Chair (1976). Cappellini, Fijiko, Ishimaru, Vitra, and other renowned firms have produced his designs. During the ’80s, he designed several pieces as a member of Ettore Sottsass’s Memphis Group, as well as a trio of design boutiques for Issey Miyake. In 1988, Kuramata moved to Paris and set up a studio there. His work is included in the permanent collections of, among others, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Museum of Modern Art in Toyama.
