Small Kinu Sideboard by Motomi Kawakami for Arflex, 1980s

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About This Piece

Vintage Design

Kinu sideboard by Arflex, designed by Motomi Kawakami around 1980, here presented in the smaller version.
This model represents one of the most interesting examples of Kawakami’s research into modularity and flexibility in furniture design, developed during those years through an essential yet strongly characterized language.
The structure is composed of a modular system of drawers and storage compartments that are completely repositionable, allowing them to be freely moved and reconfigured according to the user’s needs, transforming the sideboard into a dynamic rather than static element. The chromatic interplay, typical of the 1980s, alternates lacquered surfaces in shades of red, white and blue/lilac, creating a bold and highly recognizable graphic effect.
The top and base are finished in glossy black lacquer, giving the piece a strong sculptural presence and an elegant material contrast. It is also finished on the back, making it suitable for placement at the center of a room.
The black cylindrical handles, with their minimal design, further emphasize the rational and industrial approach of the project.
The Kinu sideboard stands out not only as a storage unit, but as a true experimental design object, expressing Arflex’s international vision and the influence of Japanese design applied to Italian production.
An iconic, rare and visually striking piece, ideal for contemporary interiors, postmodern design collections or environments requiring a functional yet strongly distinctive element.

Product Name: Kinu Sideboard by Motomi Kawakami for Arflex 1980 – Small Version
Designer: Motomi Kawakami for Arflex
Year of Design: Circa 1980
Style: 1980s design with postmodern influences; essential and modular language of Japanese origin applied to Italian production
Main Materials: Modular structure in lacquered wood; lacquered surfaces in shades of red, white and lilac; glossy black lacquered top and base; black cylindrical handles
Distinctive Design: Modular system composed of drawers and storage compartments that are fully repositionable and reconfigurable according to the user’s needs. The typical 1980s chromatic contrast creates a bold and highly recognizable graphic effect. The glossy black top and base provide sculptural presence and material contrast, while the minimal cylindrical handles highlight the rational and industrial approach of the project. Finished also on the back, it can be placed at the center of a room.
Dimensions: Length: 165cm | Depth: 50cm | Height: 86cm
Comfort: Flexible and customizable configuration; practical access to drawers and compartments; designed to adapt to changing functional needs over time
Typical Use: Storage sideboard for living rooms, studies or contemporary interiors; also suitable as a room divider thanks to the fully finished back
Design Icon: One of the most interesting examples of Motomi Kawakami’s research into modularity and flexibility in furniture; expression of Arflex’s international vision and of Japanese design influence in Italian 1980s production
Versatility: Dynamic and reconfigurable element, ideal for contemporary interiors, postmodern design collections or environments requiring a functional yet strongly identity-driven piece
Current Condition: Excellent overall condition (any minor signs of age consistent with time do not affect functionality or stability)
Additional Notes: Please note that this object is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. ´

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Creator	Motomi Kawakami
Manufacturer	Arflex
Design Period	1980 to 1989
Production Period	1980 to 1989
Country of Manufacture	Italy
Identifying Marks	This piece has an attribution mark
Style	Vintage
Detailed Condition	Very Good — This vintage/antique item has no defects, but it may show slight traces of use.
Restoration and Damage Details	Light wear consistent with age and use
Product Code	BAD-2469413
Materials	Wood, Lacquer
Color	Black, maroon, purple, white
Width	165 cm 165 cm
Depth	50 cm 50 cm
Height	86 cm 86 cm
Weight Range	Standard — Between 40kg and 80kg

Shipping & Delivery

Ships from	Italy
Returns	Returns accepted within fourteen days of delivery, except for Made-to-order items

Delivery Options

Front Door Delivery: (Included in Every Order)	A skilled driver will unload the item(s) from the delivery truck and bring it to your building’s doorstep. You will be responsible for further transport beyond that point. We recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand; alternatively, you may upgrade to In-Home Delivery (see below). The delivery partner will email and/or call you at least one day in advance to arrange a delivery time. A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection. Item will be left in its packaging after delivery. A signature will be required upon delivery.
In-Home Delivery: (For in-home delivery service, additional fees apply. Please get in touch)	A skilled driver or a team of two will bring your item(s) inside your home and place it in the immediate entryway. For unusually large or heavy items, we recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand, as we cannot send more than 2 drivers. The delivery partner will email and/or call you one day in advance to arrange a delivery time. A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection. Item will be left in its packaging after delivery. A signature will be required upon delivery.

Front Door Delivery:
(Included in Every Order)

A skilled driver will unload the item(s) from the delivery truck and bring it to your building’s doorstep. You will be responsible for further transport beyond that point. We recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand; alternatively, you may upgrade to In-Home Delivery (see below).
The delivery partner will email and/or call you at least one day in advance to arrange a delivery time.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

In-Home Delivery:
(For in-home delivery service, additional fees apply. Please get in touch)

A skilled driver or a team of two will bring your item(s) inside your home and place it in the immediate entryway. For unusually large or heavy items, we recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand, as we cannot send more than 2 drivers.
The delivery partner will email and/or call you one day in advance to arrange a delivery time.
A wooden crate may be used for intercontinental shipments for maximum protection.
Item will be left in its packaging after delivery.
A signature will be required upon delivery.

*Important Note

Please examine every order upon delivery. In the event that there are visible signs of damage or missing or incorrect pieces, please indicate the problem on the Delivery Note and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. A signed delivery receipt without notations of missing, damaged, or incorrect item(s) represents your acceptance of the complete order in perfect condition.

Sustainability

Carbon Neutral	For every purchase made, Pamono offsets 100% of estimated carbon emissions from global shipping.
Vintage	Choosing vintage and antique furniture reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on waste and reduces demand for new materials and extends the life of the products we use.

About the Maker

Arflex

Italian furniture manufacturing company Arflex was originally founded in Milan 1947 by a team of engineers—Carlo Barassi, Renato Teani, Pio Reggiani, and Aldo Bai—from Italian tire company Pirelli. While exploring new technologies in rubber production, they developed a new polyurethane foam and elastic tape that held great potential for modernist furniture design. Italian architect-designer Marco Zanuso (1916-2001) was brought in to create the first collections, guided by the principle that the new materials would inform the aesthetic result.

In 1951, Arflex unveiled its first piece, Zanuso’s Lady Armchair, which won the gold medal at Milan’s IX Triennale and helped catapult Arflex to international acclaim. Other successful designs by Zanuso were introduced over the years, such as the Sleep-o-matic Sofa (1951), the Martingala Armchair (1952), and the Fourline Armchair (1964).

Starting in 1952, Arflex began to work with other Italian architect-designers to broaden their product line. Standouts from the postwar era include the Fiorenza Armchair (1952) by Franco Albini, the Neptunia (1953) and Elettra (1954) collections by BBPR, the Delfino collection (1954) by Erberto Carboni, and the Bobo Lounge (1967) and Serpentone Lounge (1971) by Cini Boeri. Through the decades, Arflex has worked with an astounding roster of influential talents: Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Roberto Manghi, , Joe Colombo, Tito Agnoli, Carlo Mollino, Michele De Lucchi, Yaacov Kaufman, Ettore Sottsass, and Angelo Mangiarotti.

Between 1951 and 1954, Arflex also produced car seats for Fiat. These seats, designed by Barassi, were adjustable and offered superior comfort thanks to the suppleness of the polyurethane foam rubber. In 1966—in collaboration with Italian furniture brands Cassina, Tecno, and Bernini—Arflex created the legendary design magazine Ottagono, which is still in publication today. In 1969, Arflex Japan was founded, followed by Arflex du Brazil in 1970.

The company trademark was bought by Seven Salotti Spa in 1995, and a number of discontinued designs were put back into production. In 2007, Arflex celebrated its 60th anniversary with a large-scale exhibition of works from the brand’s historical mounted in Milan during Salone del Mobile.

Arflex is celebrated for its incredible legacy working with iconic designers who have won numerous awards, and Arflex designs can be found in museums around the world, like the Triennale Museum in Milan, the Triennale Museum in Tokyo, the MoMa in New York, and the Chicago Athenaeum.

*All images courtesy of Arflex