In December 2020, Cultural Heritage Online reported on the Miss Blanche chair, a singular work of design conceived in 1988 and executed in 1991 by Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata (Tokyo 1934–1991). The chair combined acrylic resin, synthetic flowers, and anodized aluminium in a technique that proved extraordinarily difficult to master.
The Design and Its Inspiration
The chair took its name from Blanche Dubois, the central character in Tennessee Williams’s play “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Kuramata produced only 56 examples of the Miss Blanche chair during its limited production run by Ishimaru Co. of Japan. Each piece represented a significant technical and artistic achievement.
The Manufacturing Process
Kuramata faced considerable difficulty in developing a viable production method. After numerous attempts, he devised a layering technique: liquid acrylic resin was poured into a mould at varying heights, and synthetic flowers were then submerged into the material as it began to set. The process continued in stages until the chair was complete. Positioning the flowers to create the intended visual effect required precise placement with tweezers, which had to be held in position until the acrylic hardened. This labour-intensive approach meant each chair was effectively handcrafted despite the use of industrial materials.
Market Value
The chairs have demonstrated significant market appeal. In auction, at least one example sold through Phillips for £250,000, reflecting the rarity and technical achievement of Kuramata’s design.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Miss Blanche chair designed and produced?
The chair was conceived in 1988 and executed between 1991, with production handled by Ishimaru Co. of Japan.
What materials make up the Miss Blanche chair?
The chair is constructed from acrylic resin, synthetic flowers, and anodized aluminium.
How many Miss Blanche chairs were made?
A total of 56 chairs were produced during the design’s limited production run.
