Chairs by Kinu di Motomi Kawakami for Arflex 1983, Set of 6

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Set of six "Kinu" chairs designed by Motomi Kawakami for Arflex, Italy, 1983.
The Kinu chairs represent a masterful encounter … Read more Set of six "Kinu" chairs designed by Motomi Kawakami for Arflex, Italy, 1983.
The Kinu chairs represent a masterful encounter between Japanese minimalist sobriety and Italian manufacturing elegance, fully expressing the design philosophy of Motomi Kawakami, a designer trained in Japan and active in Milan, who collaborated with leading Italian companies in the 1980s, bringing an essential, rigorous, and at the same time poetic vision.
Arflex, a pioneer in the experimentation of innovative materials and avant-garde forms, found in Kawakami a partner capable of translating rationalist language into a warm, welcoming, and functional design, perfectly in line with the spirit of the decade.
The structure of the chairs, made of wood and finished with a bright red glossy lacquer, gives the seats an architectural connotation with great visual impact.
The lines are clean and geometric, but never cold: the horizontal armrests fit precisely into the overall design, accentuating the sculptural character of the model. This intense red is not just a chromatic detail, but becomes an integral part of their aesthetic identity, a bold and sophisticated color that recalls both Italian modernism and the Eastern tradition of saturated and symbolic tones.
The seat and backrest are upholstered in salmon-colored velvet, a bold and refined color choice that delicately balances the strength of the lacquered red.
The softness of the fabric dialogues with the hardness of the wooden structure, creating a sensory and tactile balance that reflects Kawakami's attention to ergonomics and comfort. The result is a harmonious whole, capable of combining formal rigor and pleasantness of use, making these chairs ideal for both everyday use and a collector's context.
Kinu chairs stand out for their versatility: originally designed as dining chairs, their timeless design means they can now be used in a variety of settings, from contemporary dining rooms to eclectic living spaces, professional environments, and galleries.
Their strength lies precisely in their ability to combine aesthetics and function, responding to the need for design that is not only to be admired, but also to be experienced.
From a historical point of view, the 1980s represented a phase of openness towards new languages and international collaborations for Arflex.
Motomi Kawakami, with the Kinu model, was able to create a product that reflects that moment of creative ferment, anticipating some subsequent trends linked to the contamination between cultures and the search for a universal language of design.
Today, these chairs are not only witnesses to that era, but true collector's items, sought after by enthusiasts and collectors of 20th-century design.
The six chairs presented are in excellent vintage condition, with minimal signs of wear consistent with their age, which do not compromise either their aesthetics or structure, but rather emphasize the authenticity and history of the piece.
The lacquer still retains its shine, while the velvet preserves its chromatic elegance intact.
These Kinu chairs by Motomi Kawakami for Arflex from 1983 are not just a set of chairs, but a manifesto of the perfect fusion between Japanese rigor and Italian sensibility. A unique opportunity to enrich prestigious spaces with an authentic, refined piece full of historical and aesthetic significance.

Product Name: Kinu Chairs by Motomi Kawakami for Arflex 1983
Designer: Motomi Kawakami
Year of Design: 1983
Style: Japanese minimalism and Italian modernism of the 1980s
Main Materials: Wooden frame with glossy red lacquer finish, seat and backrest upholstered in salmon-colored velvet
Distinctive Design: Architectural structure with sculptural horizontal armrests, intense red lacquer and salmon velvet that balances strength and softness
Dimensions: Height: 86cm | Width: 54cm | Depth: 48cm
Comfort: Ergonomic and enveloping seat, combining the rigidity of the wooden structure with the tactile softness of velvet
Typical use: Dining chairs for refined interiors, also ideal for contemporary environments, eclectic spaces, professional contexts, and design collections
Design Icon: A rare example representative of Arflex's experimental spirit in the 1980s, reflecting Kawakami's fusion of Japanese discipline and Italian sensibility
Versatility: Created as dining chairs but perfectly adaptable to different contexts—residential, professional, or curatorial
Current Design Status: Excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear consistent with the era; the lacquer retains its shine and the velvet maintains its chromatic elegance
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. There may be slight signs of wear, which do not affect its functionality. We invite you to consider these characteristics before purchasing.

Motomi Kawakami (Tokyo, 1940) is a Japanese designer and architect who has successfully combined the sobriety of Eastern minimalism with Italian manufacturing elegance. After graduating in Tokyo, he moved to Milan in 1966, collaborating with companies such as Arflex, Zanotta, and Cassina, developing an essential, poetic, and ergonomic language. In the 1980s, he created iconic models for Arflex, such as the "Kinu" chairs in 1983. Founder of Studio Kawakami in Tokyo and president of the Japan Industrial Designers' Association, he is now recognized as a key figure in the cultural dialogue between East and West.

Founded in Milan in 1947 by Pirelli technicians and architect Marco Zanuso, Arflex pioneered the use of foam rubber and elastic belts in furniture, revolutionizing modern comfort. Since the 1950s, it has collaborated with masters such as Franco Albini, Joe Colombo, Cini Boeri, and Motomi Kawakami, distinguishing itself for its experimentation and quality. Today, its furniture, including icons such as the Lady sofa and the Marenco, are featured in the permanent collections of MoMA and the Triennale di Milano, confirming Arflex as an undisputed leader in Italian design.


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