Butterfly Stool - Multicolour, Moulded Plywood

The Butterfly Stool combines Eastern sculptural forms with Western manufacturing technique, originally designed by Sori Yanagi in 1954. Its two symmetrical plywood shells are joined at the centre by a brass rod and single bolt, creating a self-supporting structure without additional fasteners. The seat is formed using the plywood moulding technique pioneered by Charles and Ray Eames, resulting in smooth, curved surfaces with inherent structural rigidity.

Japanese designer Sori Yanagi’s work marries Western styles with Japanese tradition, and his 1954 Butterfly stool, produced by Vitra, is a case in point. The piece draws on Eastern forms, while it is made using Charles and Ray Eames’ plywood moulding technique.