Sori Yanagi

Project#5– Sori Yanagi By- Sharon Zhou

Sori Yanagi Sori Yanagi (柳宗理 1915–2011) was a Japanese product designer. He played a role in Japanese modern design developed after World War 2 to the high-growth period in the Japanese economy. He is both a representative of the wholly Japanese modern designer and a fullblown modernist who merged simplicity and practicality with elements of traditional Japanese crafts.

Son of The Leader of Traditional Art Movement  Sori Yanagi’s father-- Soetsu Yanagi, who founded the "mingei" movement which celebrated Japanese folk crafts and the beauty of everyday objects.  Under the influence of his father, Sori became a designer who applies traditional Japanese art and spirit into his own designs.

Soetsu Yanagi

Modern VS Tradition  Sori entered Tokyo Art School in 1934, where he studied both art and architecture. He was influenced by Le Corbusier as well as by Charlotte Perriand when she worked in Japan in the early 1940s. So, his interests moved from painting to buildings to design and objects

Le Corbusier’s Work

 After World War II, he designed many products: furniture, three-wheeled vehicles, Olympic cauldrons, pedestrian overpasses, etc. One of the most famous pieces of furniture is his Butterfly Stool. Announced in 1956, its 2-piece form has been compared to a butterfly's open wings. Alternately, the shape can be seen as the gateway of a Shinto shrine or even an antique samurai helmet. In effect, it is a form that is both modern and timeless, that has won critical acclaim and prizes, and is included in major collections such as the Museum of Modern Art New York and the Ruble Museum.

Elephant Stool (1954) The Elephant Stool is one of the most famous examples of Japanese post-war design. Its clear form and functionality are as compelling today as ever. Suited for indoor spaces as well as balconies and gardens, the stackable plastic stool can even be used as portable picnic furniture.

Other famous furniture

Yanagi Stool (1990) SORI YANAGI, Side Chair, (1950s)

Yanagi Shell Chair (1950s)

Flatware

Kettle

Pots

Where you can buy his design?  http://soriyanagi.com/uk/start.php  https://www.vitra.com/en-jp/corporation/designer/details/sori-yanagi  https://gatewayjapan.com/

 …

Thank You