Sori Yanagi, creator of the Butterfly Stool

Sori Yanagi (1915-2011) is the designer who put traditional Japanese craftsmanship in dialogue with international modernism. Son of philosopher Sōetsu Yanagi, founder of the Mingei movement, he signed in 1954 the Butterfly Stool: a stool in two symmetrical moulded plywood pieces, assembled by a brass screw, evoking both a butterfly and a Japanese torii. Edited by Tendo Mokko, then today by Vitra, it has become one of the most iconic Japanese pieces in world design, exhibited at MoMA and the Louvre.

The Butterfly Stool remains Sori Yanagi's signature piece, one of the most recognisable Japanese seats of the 20th century. A vintage stool to find for those wanting a modern Japanese design classic, at the crossroads of craft and industry.