Incollect Magazine - Issue 10

74 www.incollect.com Everything is designed by Rapin who counts numerous historical designers as sources of inspiration. “Ruhlman is an inspiration, not specifically as he was more into curves, but for who he was as a decorator/designer,” Rapin says. “Italian Art Deco design, especially Pietro Chiesa, Guglielmo Ulrich, and also Jean-Michel Frank, for his combination of simple lines with sophisticated materials.” Rapin begins by making drawings, he says, then decides on the proportions and technical elements. His forms are not complex, are often Art Deco and Louis XVI inspired, and are intended to contrast with the materials and finishes, most especially spectacular gems. KAM TIN produces very few pieces, around 2 – 3 per year, making the entire inventory of the brand less than 100 works. “We don’t make a lot,” Rapin says, “partly because of the cost but mostly because of the challenges in gathering enough material to produce pieces.” To produce the tall amber cabinet requires more than 30 kilograms of natural amber sourced from the Baltic region, which is the highest quality amber available. “You have to find it, collect it, ship it, then use it to make the furniture. This is a long and complex process.” Rapin increasingly also has to navigate changing laws and regulations regarding the export of precious natura l materials, not to mention current events around the world. “We have had a few challenges lately with amber from Russia and the Baltic because of the war in the Ukraine,” he says. “There has been a substantial increase in the prices as well.”