Butterfly stool by Sori Yanagi for Tendo, design 1954

Butterfly stool designed by Sori Yanagi in 1954 for Tendo Mokko, Japan. This stool, an icon of Japanese design, is distinguished by the simplicity and elegance of its form. The two molded plywood plates veneered with maple, secured with bolts and a brass rod, form a silhouette that is both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. The Butterfly Stool masterfully combines traditional craftsmanship with technical innovation, resulting in a functional and timeless piece. Inspired by the molded plywood technique, discovered during his research abroad, Yanagi adapted this method, used by Charles and Ray Eames, to Japanese design. The prototype for the Butterfly Stool was created with the assistance of engineer Saburo Inui at the Sendai Institute of Industrial Art. Its unique shape and comfort make this stool a landmark work of modern Japanese design. Manufacturer: Tendo Mokko, Japan, circa 1980.