Incollect Magazine - Issue 10

78 www.incollect.com Rapin is currently working with different gems, as well as rare onyx and marble. He recently bought a block of beautiful green-colored onyx from Iran, weighing several tons, and had it shipped by truck to France and cut to create tops for a new coffee table design. He has made mirrors out of hundreds of rubies and tourmalines in the colors of the rainbow. Another mirror was decorated with over 1,000 small cabochon emeralds of almost jewelry quality. He has also made his first chandelier, a unique glass piece fabricated in Murano, Venice in collaboration with glass artists working for Simone Cenedese. KAM TIN also produces a few, less dramatic designs in larger editions such as the “Octopus” stool and bench, with patinated bronze legs and seat covered with Teddy mohair velvet from Pierre Frey, each in a limited edition of 50 pieces, which can be customized in a wide range of materials and patinas. The “Nuage” or Cloud table has been produced in polished ivory onyx, copper, brass, aluminum, and lacquered steel, can be customized, and has become a best-selling product. KAM TIN sells through a mix of online platforms, fairs (most recently the Salon Art + Design in New York and BRAFA in Brussels), and walk-in visitors to the gallery located in a historical part of Paris, near the Pont Neuf. “The gallery is our base, the place where we feel at home and can show KAM TIN creations year round,” Rapin says. “It is important to have somewhere you can see a piece, to touch it and understand the unique beauty”, he says.“I want my objects to be like jewels — they must be seen and experienced to be appreciated.” Golden Glow From left: Feather Cabinet covered with 1,500 fans made of natural rooster feathers. Unique piece designed by KAM TIN. Amber Mirror. Wooden structure covered with Baltic amber cabochons. Limited edition of 2 designed by KAM TIN. Signed, France 2016. Amber Cabinet. Wooden structure covered with Baltic amber cabochons, polished brass, and bronze. Unique piece designed by KAM TIN. France, 2012. Sheaf of Wheat. Sculpted, gilded bronze and brass imitating wheat, and leaves with rock crystal ornaments, natural wheat elements. Designed by Robert Goossens. Signed, France, circa 1975. Crown of Wheat Mirror. Gilded bronze frame imitating wheat, convex mirrored glass. Designed by Robert Goossens. Signed, France, circa 1973. All available through Maison Rapin on Incollect.com Pyrite Nightstand. Wooden structure covered with pyrite, footed, polished brass legs, and three drawers. Designed by KAM TIN. Signed, France 2019. Available through Maison Rapin on Incollect.com