Shiro Kuramata 1934-1991

thick acrylic resin, anodised aluminium, imitation roses

Patrick Brillet Fine Art, London

Ettore Sottsass, `Una Mostra dedicate a Shiro Kuramata,' Domus, December, 1996, p. 56
Michiko Aikawa (ed.), Shiro Kuramata, exhibition catalogue, Hara Museum of Contemporary Art,  Tokyo, 1996, cat. no. 1, pp. 26-27, 39-40, 48,  and p. 189, fig. 8
Alexander von Vegesack, Peter Dunas, and Mathias Schwartz-Clauss, (eds). 100 Masterpieces from the Vitra Design Museum, exhibition catalogue, Weil am Rhein, 1996, pp. 204-205, cat. no. 87
Alberto Bassi, `Shiro Kuramata:  Il Design Transparente,' Casabella, July/August, 1999, p. 17
Charlotte and Peter Fiell, 1000 Chairs, Cologne, 2000, p. 599
Shiro Kuramata, Tokyo, 2000, fig. 1
George H. Marcus, Masters of Modern Design:  A Critical Assessment, New York, 2005, p. 155
Jean Louis Gaillemin, Design Contre Design, exhibition catalogue, Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, Anvers, 2007, pp. 301, 353

A rare piece of excellent overall appearance. One or two small insignificant scratches to acrylic in places, consistent with material. Colouring to legs in very good condition, with some minor scratching to the interior of the leg housing, consistent with the insertion and removal of the aluminium tubing. Feet are a slightly darker purple than what appears in the catalogue illustration. A museum quality piece ready for display.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Shiro Kuramata's chair pays homage to the dreamlike world of illusion inhabited by Blanche Dubois, the complex character at the heart of Tennessee Williams' play `A Streetcar Names Desire'.

Designed in 1988, it was first produced the following year under sponsorship from the Kokuyo Company.  Subsequent chairs were executed by Ishimaru Company Ltd and retailed through the Kuramata Design Office.  The final chair was manufactured in 1998, the 56th in the series, honouring the artist's age when he died.

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Kuramata Design Office signed by the artist's wife, Mieko Kuramata.