Image source: Artek — Kiki Collection
© Artek and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research.
Collection Story
Origin
The Kiki Collection is Artek's family of steel-framed furniture by Ilmari Tapiovaara, designed in 1960 for public and private use. Artek's collection page calls it his first series with a consistent system of matching parts, and says the Kiki Chair took the gold medal when the collection was presented at the Milan Triennale in 1960.
Design Language
A framework of oval steel tubing is combined with surfaces that show distinctive planes and smooth-edged contours. Artek compares Kiki to a mannequin that can be dressed up in numerous ways, and says the compact pieces can be teamed in many configurations and fit smaller spaces.
Key Pieces
- Kiki Lounge Chair (1960)
- Kiki Sofa (1960)
- Kiki Bench (1960)
- Kiki Low Table (1960)
Pieces in this collection
Kiki Lounge Chair
Ilmari Tapiovaara's compact steel-framed lounge chair from the Kiki Collection, 1960
Kiki Sofa
Ilmari Tapiovaara's steel-framed Kiki Sofa for Artek, 2- or 3-seater, 1960
Kiki Low Table
Ilmari Tapiovaara's steel-framed Kiki Low Table with a black laminate top, 1960
Kiki Bench
Ilmari Tapiovaara's upholstered Kiki Bench on an oval steel tube frame, 1960
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