Chair by Sori Yanagi for Kotobuki, Japan 1969

Designed by Sori Yanagi in 1969, this stackable chair is one of the first models to use FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) in Japan. Inspired by the introduction of the Eames shell chair in the 1950s, the Kotobuki company, in collaboration with Isamu Kenmochi, began research into producing FRP chairs. Yanagi embraced this approach with a chair that combines comfort, ergonomics, and aesthetics. The chair features a sleek silhouette, with a slightly sloping back and a wide shell that perfectly fits the body. The seat is padded with foam and upholstered in a deliberately asymmetrical black and green mottled fabric, offering both comfort and elegance. As Sori Yanagi said, "form should look good from behind," and this piece is a perfect example. The chrome-plated steel base adds a modern touch, while the use of FRP ensures durability and ease of maintenance. The shell bears the manufacturer's mark. Edition: Kotobuki, Japan, circa 1980.