Post-War Pop

Fresh takes on a timeless design

By Alyssa Ford
Post-War Pop
Shiro Kuramata, a virtuoso of modern design in post-World War II Japan, created surrealistic pieces such as a bed so long and narrow that a couple can sleep on it toe-to-toe or head-to-head, and a chair with rose petals suspended in plastic. Before his death in 1991, Kuramata was dubbed the “poet of creative vacancy” for his ability to translate the world of abstract expressionism to furniture and create functional artworks that are both present and in a state of suspension. Today’s designers, such as Karim Rashid, Sean Yoo, and Kouichi Okamoto, carry on Kuramata’s vision, both inside and outside Japan.


For more information on resources in this story, please see our Buyer's Guide.

1.  “Revolving Cabinet” with 20 drawers in red, polished metacrylate revolving around a vertical metal bar, by Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini, $3,130.

2.  “Opus Incertum” bookshelf by Sean Yoo for Casamania, $569.

3.  “Skoop” stool by Karim Rashid for Bonaldo, $200

4.  “Honeycomb” lampshade by Kouichi Okamoto, $70

5.  “Bellissima” hanging light by Studio Italia Design, $9,065

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