Koyori

Koyori is the finest and the newest brand from Japan. The brand is made up of several Japanese manufacturers, each with their own specialty. Koyori is originally a special twisted paper cord, used in Japan to wrap special gifts. And that is what the chairs look like, each one special designed. By two renowned design studios, GamFratesi from Denmark and Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec from France, all under the art direction of Jasper Morrison.

KOYORI PHILOSOPHY AND THE DESIGNERS

'Although the collection of Koyori has to look of the simplicity and subtle beauty of Japanese products according to Japanese aesthetics, in fact they are the result of the dedication of the artisans,' says Executive Director Koda. 'Design enthusiasts will appreciate the perfectionism, dedication and thoughtfulness of the Koyori collection that makes each product unique.'

Its mission is to create furniture that adds special value to our daily lives, Koyori utilizes cutting-edge technology while also embracing the heritage and aesthetics of Japanese craftsmanship. These pieces of furniture may last for generations and the wish is that everyone who uses them will experience happiness.

The studio of Italian-Danish design duo GamFratesi has been around since 2006. Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi have combined their own backgrounds, traditional Danish heritage and classic Italian design, which has resulted in unique furniture and objects. This approach is fully found in the vision of Koyori. 

French brothers Erwan and Ronan Bourellec have been working together since 1999. Collaborations with major international companies in Europe and Japan also characterize their design career. As well as the many researches they did. This has certainly been an important part of their journey with Koyori, research and technology, collaboration and respect for craftsmanship and tradition.

THE MODELS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

The Miau Armchair is a cutie. This beautiful design by GamFratesi is an elegant wooden chair in solid oak or walnut and if preferred with an upholstered seat. It has a curved one-piece armrests, a refined backrest and tapered legs. The Italian-Danish duo, Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi, wanted to create a humane and soft design with a cat-like aesthetic. That explains the name Miau. The minute details, especially the end of the ornamental armrests invites to feel the chair.

The other design beautiful piece from their collections is the Edaha Chair. When you look at it, it becomes immediately clear that nature combined with a solid piece of engineering was the inspiration for this chair. It is made entirely of veneer wood, the stand-out frame is a reflection of a branch. The seating is like a leaf swirled down and lying loosely on top. 

"We wanted to create a structure that gently supported the chair, just like a leaf on a branch. The project was an industrial challenge, a concept that would challenge materials and technologies.'

No clean lines and sharp edges, but wavy oak plywood creating a three-dimensional curved back and armrest. A shell that embraces you. That's the Kaawara chair by Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec. Natural veneer or black, gray or green lacquered and the choice of whether or not to upholster on the inside. 

The Shaku Chair is also designd by the French brothers. It looks like a simple chair we know from the past. But the special and delicate thing about this chair is that the seat seems to hold up the backrest. Which is only possible by using very exquisite technique. Due to the high back and molded seat, this relatively small chair is still fine and comfortable. 

THE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND HISTORY OF KOYORI

Several Japanese manufacturers each work separately and together in a unique collaboration they produce the collection. In 2022, there were a number of introductory videos and announcements of the now 5 chairs that make the Koyori collection. In Milan during the Salone di Mobele there was the presentation, during the Milan Furniture Fair, in a serene and peaceful environment in the Triennale, the chairs and matching tables were widely displayed.

Koyori is the finest and the newest brand from Japan. The brand is made up of several Japanese manufacturers, each with their own specialty. Koyori is originally a special twisted paper cord, used in Japan to wrap special gifts. And that is what the chairs look like, each one special designed. By two renowned design studios, GamFratesi from Denmark and Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec from France, all under the art direction of Jasper Morrison.