Chair model "Hal2" (set of 8 available)
Manufactured by Ishimaru Co.
Japan, 1980s
Tubular steel and expanded steel mesh

Measurements
49 x 54 x 90h cm
19,3 x 21,3 x 35,4h in

Provenance
Private Collection, Tokyo

Literature
Fiell, C., & Fiell, P. (2000). "1000 Chairs.
Sudjic, D. (2013). "Shiro Kuramata: Essays & Writings.

About
The HAL2 Chair is celebrated for its unconventional use of materials and form, emblematic of Kuramata's approach to design that blends Japanese minimalism with Western industrial aesthetics. It was crafted to challenge the traditional boundaries of furniture design, exploring concepts of visual lightness and transparency. Is featured in various modern art museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, which house some of Kuramata’s most recognized works​

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.