Luft Tanaka | Furniture Design and Sculptural Objects

Luft Tanaka is a Japanese-born artist and designer based in Brooklyn, New York, where he operates Luft Tanaka Studio. He is widely recognized for his unique material processes, particularly the invention of casting liquid porcelain into hand-sewn leather molds. This technique, central to his acclaimed Kawa Series, results in one-of-a-kind ceramic vessels and lighting fixtures that carry the tactile texture and organic folds of the leather molds. Tanaka moved to New York City in 2008 and earned a degree in Product Design from the Parsons School of Design. His work spans various categories, including minimalist furniture like the Bluff Side Chairs, intricate lighting such as the Tenfold series, and a range of sculptural mirrors and rugs. His practice is a commentary on mass-produced goods, focusing instead on the gravity-led forms and experimental craftsmanship that make each object distinct. Luft Tanaka has exhibited his work internationally at prestigious venues, including the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design. His studio continues to push the boundaries of functional art, combining traditional Japanese influences with a modern, Brooklyn-based aesthetic.