Incollect Magazine - Issue 10

Incollect Magazine 73 “I draw inspiration from the sophisticated decoration of 16th and 17th-century European cabinetry, incorporating precious metals, marquetry, and veneers in a refined way,” says Philippe Rapin, the eccentric genius behind KAM TIN, a boutique brand specializing in what can only be described as opulent, bedazzled decoration. KAM TIN was launched in 2010 and has been influential across the design world ever since, pioneering the concept of contemporary limited-edition gemstone furniture in precious and semi-precious stones. His first designs were made of Chinese turquoise cabochons sourced from mines in China, the name comes from an area where Philippe Rapin lived, in the New Territories, part of Hong Kong, north of Tai Mo Shan mountain. Rapin is an 18th-century ceramics specialist who opened his first gallery in 1978 selling historical ceramics. He followed the market into modern design and today his gallery, Maison Rapin, located in Paris, specializes in 20th-century decorative arts including vintage and contemporary designs by Robert Goossens, Roberto Rida, Marc Bankowsky, Jean Després, Gio Ponti, Fontana Arte, Etienne Allemeersch, and Simone Cenedese, among others, and is the sole representative and distributor of KAM TIN worldwide. The KAM TIN designs are all unique or in very limited editions, crafted by teams of artisans in workshops in Germany and France with distinct specializations: goldsmiths, stonecutters, cabinetmakers, welders, and engravers. Turquoise, amber, pyrite, and a wide range of rare, precious materials such as tiger’s eye, agate, jade, and lapis lazuli are among the signature materials used to adorn his creations. Left: Turquoise Mirror. Wooden structure covered with turquoise mosaic, reflecting glass, patinated brass trim. Unique piece designed by KAM TIN. Signed, France, 2015. Turquoise Console. Wooden structure covered with turquoise mosaic. Unique piece designed by KAM TIN. Signed, France, 2012. Right: Turquoise Sideboard. Wooden structure covered with turquoise cabochons, labradorite top, patinated brass legs and details. Three front doors, key with signature logo “K”. Unique piece designed by KAM TIN. Signed, France, 2017. Astronave Rosa. Colored sculpted glass on a polished brass structure. Designed by Foddis & Baisi. Maison Rapin limited edition, signed and numbered. Italy, 2021. Seashell Lamp. Rock crystal lamp with gilded bronze ornaments. Designed by Robert Goossens. France, circa 1975. Centerpiece. Table centerpiece with soliflores and decorative elements in rock crystal and silvered bronze. Designed by Robert Goossens. France, circa 1970. All available through Maison Rapin on Incollect.com