Lot 392
SHIRO KURAMATA (JAPANESE 1934-1991) FOR XO, PARIS
'SING SING' CHAIR, DESIGNED 1985
Auction: MODERN MADE | Lots 1 - 422 | Fri 01 May at 10am
Description
stamped XO (to back of one arm), perforated and tubular steel
Dimensions
91cm high, 51.5cm wide, 57cm deep (35 ¾in high, 20 ¼in wide, 22 ½in deep)
Provenance
Private Collection, London.
Footnote
Literature:
Shiro Kuramata Catalogue of Works, Phaidon Press, London, 2013, p.335, no.415.
Sudjic, Deyan, Shiro Kuramata: Essays & Writings, Phaidon Press, London, 2013, p.140.
Kuramata frequently drew inspiration from jazz, often naming his designs after well-known compositions. Sing Sing Sing takes its title from the famous Benny Goodman recording. The chair is among Kuramata’s earliest works to employ expanded metal, an industrial steel mesh more commonly associated with fencing. By sandblasting and chromium-plating the material, he sought to reveal an unexpected aesthetic quality within this utilitarian surface. The shimmering expanded metal seat contrasts with the sweeping cantilevered steel pipe frame, whose fluid curves and elongated base create a sense of movement, evoking a figure in dance. Three variations of the design were produced and presented at Kuramata’s solo exhibition in Tokyo in April 1985.