Riffing on the simple form and refined lines of torii, the entrance gates common at Shinto shrines throughout Japan, designer Oki Sato has translated this post-and-lintel structure into an interlocking metal frame that defines his latest collection for Minotti. The Nendo founder’s aptly named Torii series is a flexible and sprawling family of furnishings that includes coffee tables, consoles, sofas, ottomans, dining chairs and armchairs, to name of few of the many options.

Complementing the unique horizontal supports, a curving backrest gives the line’s seating elements their unique sculptural quality. The high- and low-back versions of the armchair (shown) feature vertical quilting and piping drawn from traditional luggage-making techniques, which combine with the bronze-varnished legs (inspired in part by the kigumi method of wood joinery) to effortlessly marry Italian and Japanese craftsmanship.

Typical of the manufacturer, each piece is available in an almost endless selection of high-quality sartorial fabrics, as well as leather, upholstery or ash options for the base.