Isamu Kenmochi for Yamakawa Rattan Stools, a Pair

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Isamu Kenmochi woven rattan pouf ottomans, 1970s for Yamakawa Rattan, Japan

This very scarce pair of ottomans by Mr. Kenmochi … Read more Isamu Kenmochi woven rattan pouf ottomans, 1970s for Yamakawa Rattan, Japan

This very scarce pair of ottomans by Mr. Kenmochi are both in very good original condition. They are constructed with a steel internal structure and then woven with rattan. The design of the visually lightweight base that curves upward to the bulbous ovoid form is instantly recognizable as Mr. Kenmochi's work and an iconic piece of design from the era.

These were designed to be used as they are shown, though could also hold round cushions inside of the circular area in the center of each piece. They have a floating appearance even though they are strong and durable and can hold a significant amount of weight due to their internal structure.

Literature and Biography provided by the Exhibition, Isamu Kenmochi, 'Japanese Modern: Retrospective Kenmochi Isamu', Kokusho Kanko Kai, 2009

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Isamu Kenmochi (1912–1971) was a pivotal figure in the development of modern Japanese design. He is renowned for his ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with the clean, functional lines of modernism, creating a design language that bridged Japan’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary sensibilities.

After graduating from the Tokyo Fine Arts School (now Tokyo University of the Arts) in 1932, Kenmochi joined the Industrial Arts Research Institute, where he explored the integration of traditional Japanese materials and techniques into modern design. This formative experience shaped his philosophy of creating functional, accessible, and elegant designs rooted in everyday life.

In the postwar period, Kenmochi became a key advocate for the modernization of Japanese design. As a co-founder of the Japan Industrial Designers Association (JIDA) in 1952, he worked alongside luminaries like Sori Yanagi to elevate industrial design as a profession in Japan. His work during this era often reflected collaborations with international designers, most notably Charlotte Perriand, with whom he explored innovative uses of traditional materials such as rattan and wood.
One of Kenmochi’s most iconic creations is the Rattan Chair (1952), produced by Yamakawa Rattan, which exemplifies his mastery of natural materials and his commitment to simplicity and comfort. His designs, often crafted from rattan, wood, and metal, embodied a balance of tradition and innovation that has become a hallmark of Japanese modernism.

Kenmochi’s contributions extended beyond furniture; he designed interiors and products for major corporations, influencing both domestic and industrial aesthetics in Japan. His work remains highly regarded for its timeless appeal and enduring functionality. Isamu Kenmochi passed away in 1971, but his legacy continues to inspire designers worldwide, celebrated as a pioneer who harmonized Japan’s past and future in his visionary creations. See less