Table Lamp model "Ghost"
Manufactured by Yamagiwa
Japan, 1976
Acrylic, Electrical components

Measurements
25 x 25 x 40h cm
9,8 x 9,8 x 15,8h in

Details
Manufacturer's Stamp

Provenance
Private Collection, Tokyo

Literature
Fiell, C., & Fiell, P. (2000). 1000 Lights.
Sudjic, D. (2013). Shiro Kuramata: Essays & Writings.
Adam, P. (1991). Shiro Kuramata 1934-1991.

About
The Ghost Table Lamp exemplifies Kuramata’s fascination with transparency and the ethereal quality of acrylic. By encasing the light source within an acrylic block, Kuramata created a lamp that seems to glow from within, embodying a "ghostly" presence. This piece is celebrated for its minimalist elegance and has become a classic example of Kuramata’s innovative approach to material and form.

Biography
Shiro Kuramata (1934-1991) was a visionary Japanese designer known for his unconventional and often poetic approach to furniture and interiors. Educated at the Kuwasawa Design School in Tokyo, he became prominent in the 1970s and '80s for his use of industrial materials, such as metal mesh, glass, and acrylic, which he used to create ethereal, minimalist pieces that defied conventional furniture forms. A key figure in the Memphis Group, founded by Ettore Sottsass, Kuramata embraced postmodern design principles, often challenging traditional forms and functions. His designs, such as the Miss Blanche Chair—made of transparent acrylic embedded with artificial roses—and the How High the Moon armchair, remain celebrated for their blend of functionality and surrealism. His works are now part of prestigious collections, including those at the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.