Introducing Kazuhide Takahama (b.1930) Japanese Designer

In: Designers, Furniture Designer, Industrial Designers
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A modular furniture set designed by Kazuhide Takahama, featuring geometric-patterned upholstery in shades of pink, red, and blue. The set includes a lounge chair and ottoman, complemented by a matching fabric wall backdrop.
A striking modular furniture set by Kazuhide Takahama, adorned with bold geometric upholstery in vibrant hues of pink, red, and blue. This design exemplifies Takahama’s minimalist yet expressive approach to furniture design, integrating art and function seamlessly.

Kazuhide Takahama graduated from the Industrial University of Tokyo in 1953 with an architecture degree. He adopted the Modern Movement’s functionalist approach to design yet retained a characteristic Japanese sensitivity to materials and aesthetics. 

Biography

At the X Milan Triennale exhibition in 1954, he met the furniture manufacturer Dino Gavina, who subsequently invited Takahama to work for him in Italy. Takahama’s first design for Gavina was the geometrically severe Naeko sofa bed (1957). His later Dodd modular storage unit (1965) was also highly rational and comprised stackable wooden or injection-moulded plastic cubes. In 1965, Takahama produced the sculptural Suzanne, Raymond and Marcel seating ranges – named in tribute to Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968) and his siblings – constructed of polyurethane foam blocks. Three years later, he designed the ESA system (1968) of hexagonal polyurethane foam blocks that could be assembled into either beds, sofas or chairs. 

Kazuhide Takahama Works

Paradisoterrestre Marcel Armchair P in White Upholstery by Kazuhide Takahama
Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina Set of Twelve 'Tulu' Chairs
Dining Chairs Design Kazuhide Takahama for Simon Gavina, Italy 1968
'Marcel' Chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Gavina, Italy, 1960
Mid Century Modern Kazuhide Takahama Knoll 4 Pc Modular Sectional Sofa 1960s
Italian 70s Table by Kazuhide Takahama
Cassina Bramante Glossy Rosso Lacquered Cabinet with LED by Kazuhide Takahama
Table Lamp "Kumo" by Kazuhide Takahama for Sirrah
Paradisoterrestre Marcel Pouf in Futurisiti Fabric by Kazuhide Takahama

He also designed furniture that was constructed of simple geometric plywood elements with traditional lacquered finishes, such as his Kazuhide chair (1968), Antella drop-leaf table (1978) and Bramante cupboard (1973). He produced several innovative lamps for Gavina, including the Saori range (1973), which paid homage to Lucio Fontana (1899-1968). Takahama’s pure designs achieved a strong internationalism through his skilful blending of elements of Eastern and Western cultures.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

Fiell, C., Fiell, P. (2012). Design of the 20th Century. Germany: Littlehampton Book Services.

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