Set to officially launch at the Triennale di Milano art and design museum during Milan’s design week in June, new Japanese furniture brand Koyori debuts with a fully formed five-piece seating collection by two industry heavyweights — the French brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and the Danish-Italian studio GamFratesi. 

From its inception, Koyori was destined to become a heavy-hitter itself. To help manifest a sophisticated brand identity, executive director Koda Munetoshi tapped renowned product and furniture designer Jasper Morrison to serve as Brand Directing Advisor, who in turn collaborated with Tokyo-based Swiss graphic designer Sebastian Fehr. 

While rooted in traditional and distinctly Japanese aesthetics and technologies (to produce its wares, Koyori will partner with the country’s leading furniture and interior décor manufacturers), the brand plans to team up with a roster of internationally recognized designers from across the globe to develop a unique portfolio. Far from fast fashion, each piece is intended to become a timeless heirloom that can be passed down through generations. “Design enthusiasts will appreciate the perfectionism, commitment and thoughtfulness in the Koyori range,” notes Koda. 

The name itself speaks to the heritage that influenced it — Koyori stands for “twisted paper cord,” which represents the primary material of Mizuhiki, the traditional decorative paper strings that adorn gifts wrapped for festive and ceremonial occasions. 

For Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec — who delivered three of the five new chairs — the overall goal of their project was to “invent something new, while at the same time emphasizing the quality and specific technical expertise of the manufacturers.” In the end, the duo’s three seats express a familiarity that manages to feel utterly fresh and original. GamFratesi, meanwhile, saw an opportunity “to interpret the wood in its various forms in a broad and honest way,” and their two chairs deliver what they consider to be a reinterpretation of “Danish traditions and designs.”

Kawara Armchair by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec 

For the Kawara armchair, the brothers wanted to “design a large box-like dining chair, which gives the comfort of sitting in a very soft shell.” To that end, the chair’s simple and classic lines are enhanced by a subtle sweep in the plywood arms. The move opens up the seat ever so slightly, creating a comfortable perch that lets one linger for hours. 

Musubi Armchair by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec 

Highlighting the intrinsic beauty of wood, the individual elements of the Musubi armchair — the backrest, arms and seat — are treated as sculptures in their own right. The three-dimensionality of the back and arms was achieved by both wood-bending and five-axis CNC cutting techniques; when assembled, all three become one dynamic functional sculpture. 

Shaku Chair by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec 

Perhaps the most divergent of the three, the Shaku chair could “have existed centuries ago” but its refined shape and compact size are perfectly suited to modern-day settings. Precisely crafted, the high back meets the seat base in a way that gives the appearance of the latter supporting the former; the two are curved just so in order to hold the body in a snug embrace. 

Miau Armchair by GamFratesi 

Wanting to “create a humanly warm and gentle design with a feline motif,” GamFratesi developed the Miau armchair, which sees miniature details joined together in a pleasingly visual and tactile way. Made from a single bentwood, the back- and armrests have a beautiful uniformity and grace that almost belies the chair’s supportive and durable integrity. 

Edaha Chair by GamFratesi 

Expressing the duo’s admiration for nature, the Edaha chair can be viewed as a branch (the frame) supporting a leaf (the seat shell). Defined by a graceful swoop, Edaha is carved entirely from a wood veneer.