Japan 2019Kumahida
We were commissioned to design a chair and table for the 100th year anniversary for Hida Sangyo Co. Ltd, a furniture manufacturer which inherits the Hida woodwork tradition (“Hida no Takumi”).
For the chair, we aimed to achieve a design soft to touch, yet visually sharp and light. Using a single bentwood (“mageki”) to connect the front legs, arms, and back rail, the spindle wood section gently and minimally twists around in a ribbon structure. The seat is slightly sculpted to ergonomically fit the human body, with the ends carved to a 10mm thickness give it a weightless appearance.
For the table, the tabletop edges are carved to a 4mm thickness, a thin line to evoke lightness. The legs also use a spindle wood section, tilted slightly to express movement like a creature in the forest.
This organic form was only realized due to the enduring and refined experience of Hida Sangyo Co.Lld working with bentwood (“mageki”) and wood carving techniques.
