Shiro Kuramata, 1934-1991, was the finest and most influential designer in modern Japanese history. A true poet of creative vacancy, he introduced abstract and minimalist elements to western Bauhaus Modernism and integrated this with his oriental cultural perspective. His de-materialized designs are in a state of surreal and perpetual suspension, yet they are sensually present. What he enjoyed about his favorite material, perspex, was its ambiguity: cold as glass yet warm as wood. He cast roses in perspex so that they would flower eternally. His furniture crafted in metal seems almost to be floating; it emanates sensory imaginative power through its lightness, texture and shape. An example of the enormous acclaim Kuramata received both at home and abroad is the distinguished Ordre des Arts et des Lettres he was awarded by the French government in 1990. During his creative life Kuramata produced more than 180 furniture forms. As an endorsement of the high regard in which Kuramata is held amongst the connoiseurs of the art world, as "Miss Blanche" was sold at Christies, London for £46,000 in their Chair Sale October 1997, lot 108. Also, a "How High the Moon" two seater was sold for £12,650 at Bonhams London in May 1998. This ranks Kuramata amongst the most desirable of artists/designers of the 20th century. Acrylic stool (1990) by Shino Kuramata, this stool was concieved for Spiral, a gallery and shopping complex in Tokyo. A decision was made to create an 'ingot' out of acrylic and to cast feathers in it to suggest movement and time. In production, the weight of the piece became the biggest problem. After completion, when it was taken to a nearby park to be photographed before delivery, everyone was stunned by the sight of the stool shining a bright white in the sun, surrounded by summer greenery. Materials: acrylic, aluminium, stained alumite finish, feathers