Project#5 Sori Yanagi

By- Sharon Zhou

Sori Yanagi
Sori Yanagi ( 19152011) 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 Yanagis 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 Corbusiers 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