Room by Room – the Yanagi Butterfly Stool

This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks looks at a Japanese twist on the bent plywood chair – the Yanagi Butterfly Stool.

Designed by Sori Yanagi in 1954 for Vitra, the Butterfly Stool is known for its combination of Asian sensibilities and modern plywood forming techniques. With its gentle curves and simple form, this stool is a great example of paring a piece down to its essentials while still retaining a strong sense of style. Formed from 2 pieces of plywood, a metal rod and some screws, it is bent in all directions to form a comfortable seat that is at once functional and pleasing to the eye. The Butterfly Stool is available in maple, rosewood or cherry from Vitra.

Tapping into the strong Japanese aesthetic of the stool, I found many accessories inspired by Asian images and culture. A handpainted porcelain cup keeps the image of an origami peace crane at hand. A stacked stone vase is a perfect place to try your hand at ikebana. As a room divider or a wall hanging, three printed screens help organize your space. You can light your way with a wood and rice paper lamp, while tumbling into your platform bed with integrated shelving at the end of a long day.

Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.