Shiro Kuramata's Piramyd drawers the star of Italian design auction

Piramyd, a chest of drawers designed by Shiro Kuramata and produced by Cappellini, will star in Italian design and decorative arts of XX C. - an auction taking place on September 19 at Nova Ars.

The piece dates from circa 1968 and comes with an estimate of $23,916.

Kuramata was one of the most influential Japanese designers of the previous century. A member of the Memphis group, he combined minimalism with the fantastic, creating an aesthetic that was uniquely his own. In 2005, a Miss Blanche chair dating from 1989 sold for $120,000 at Phillips auction house- an increase of 71% and a new record price for Kuramata. 

Kuramata Piramyd
Kuramata was known for his use of industrial materials

Also featuring is a fluorescent orange Alessandro Guerriero Ir-Real table, and a Patrick Norguet designed chair, both of which hold equivalent high estimates of $10,629.

Guerriero was founder of the Alchimica group, which formed in 1976. The group used irony and humour to revolt against the dominant post-war aesthetic of austere functionalism. As he explained: "When we considered the problem of radical design, with all its implicit criticism of other products, industries and situations, we decided that this force could be put into effect through the product."

Guerrerio has previous form at auction, with a chair from 1943 hammering for $28,000 in 2008 - an increase of 86% on an estimate of $15,000.

The auction also features a number of works from Piero Fornasetti.

For more information on the art and collectibles market, please sign up to our free weekly newsletter.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock