179 - Shigeru Uchida (1943–2016)

Shigeru Uchida (1943–2016) ISU Z103 2½-seater sofa Upholstery fabric, black anodized cast aluminum Produced by Pastoe, Netherlands Year designed: 1991 (production began in 1995) H75 W171 D75 cm, armrest height 42 cm Very good overall condition, with wear consistent with its age and use Designed in 1991 and produced for a very limited time starting in 1995, the ISU series is widely regarded as one of Uchida’s most accomplished furniture designs. Blending Japanese minimalism with Dutch craftsmanship, the sofa embodies a remarkable balance between sculptural purity, architectural precision, and exceptional comfort. The design stands out for its elegant, floating silhouette and its striking structural legs made of black anodized cast aluminum, which visually lift the generously upholstered body while emphasizing its clean, geometric proportions. The black upholstery further enhances the piece’s timeless architectural character. Internationally recognized for projects such as the Yamakawa Residence, the Kobe Fashion Museum, and the luxury interiors of Hotel Il Palazzo, Shigeru Uchida was one of Japan’s leading figures in contemporary architecture and design. His collaboration with Pastoe exemplifies a remarkable dialogue between Japanese aesthetics and Dutch furniture craftsmanship, resulting in a collection now considered among the most sought-after pieces of the 1990s. Produced for only a short time, the ISU sofa rarely appears on the international market and is increasingly sought after by collectors of Japanese design, postmodern design, and collectible design. Architect and designer Shigeru Uchida is one of the leading figures in contemporary Japanese design, known in particular for the interiors of the Il Palazzo Hotel in Fukuoka, built by Aldo Rossi, and for the Kobe Fashion Museum. The ISU series, designed in 1991 for the Dutch manufacturer Pastoe and produced starting in 1995 for a limited time, combines Japanese minimalism with Dutch furniture craftsmanship. This sofa stands out for its structural legs made of black anodized cast aluminum, which visually elevate the upholstered body and emphasize its geometry. A piece that combines purity of design with comfort, resulting from a short-lived production run.