Shiro Kuramata

Born in Tokyo. Graduates the Department of Interior Design at the Kuwasawa Design Institute in 1956. After working at the Advertisement Department of San-ai Co., Ltd., the Interior Design Department of Matsuya Co., Ltd., establishes Kuramata Design Office in 1965. He designs a long list of furniture, products, and commercial facilities including Seibu Department Store Capsule Corner. In 1981 joins Memphis at Ettore Sottsass’s invitation. In the year of 1989 holds a solo exhibition in Paris and gains high international recognition. Receives the Mainichi Industrial Design Award, and the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. His design expressing a-gravity and floating feeling in unique sensitivity made an impact to the design area. His representative works include furniture such as Miss Blanche, Glass Chair, How High the Moon, and a number of commercial architecture includes Issey Miyake\’s boutiques. After his death, the exhibition ‘’Shiro Kuramata 1934-1991’’ at Hara Museum of Contemporary Art of 1996 tours 7 cities around the world.