The Beauty of Poise: The Shaku Chair

Understated in scale but bold in presence, the Shaku Chair invites contemplation from every angle—its clean lines and sculptural form exuding both elegance and emotional weight.

“It is a very warm, beautiful, and simple chair, kind of narrating history. It could have existed back in centuries, but here it’s more refined and specific.”
—Ronan Bouroullec

As Ronan intended, the chair successfully reveals the beauty of the wood, the beauty of the craftsmanship, and the connection between them. He focused on doing what he enjoys while showcasing the extreme precision found in KOYORI and Japanese manufacturing.

The Shaku Chair has quickly become one of KOYORI’s best-selling designs. Its balance of size, structure, and serenity makes it a natural fit—not just for homes, but for cafés, galleries, and thoughtful public interiors. It is a chair that doesn’t seek attention but earns it—with quiet confidence and an undeniable sense of presence.

Whether placed individually or in a group, it possesses a sculptural strength that holds its own. Lined up in multiples, the harmony of its proportions becomes even more apparent—the gentle taper of the legs, the softly angled backrest, the way light catches its surfaces. Seen from the side or back, it retains a quiet drama.

The black stained color—matte and bold—adds sculptural elegance, emphasizing the chair’s crisp and uncluttered silhouette.

Ergonomics also played a central role in the design process, shaped through a series of ongoing dialogues between Ronan and the master craftsmen.
“As a designer, you always learn, and I’ve learned a lot in this process.
The manufacturers’ understanding of ergonomics is extremely high.”
—Ronan Bouroullec

Despite its modest footprint, the Shaku Chair offers surprising comfort. The high backrest provides ample support, while the deep seat accommodates the body with relaxed ease. It’s more comfortable than it appears—perhaps because every line has been drawn with the sitter in mind.

The name Shaku was chosen after the design had taken form. It draws from a traditional wooden object once held by Japanese courtiers—a slender, flat piece of wood symbolizing presence and formality. Its upright posture, quietly dignified silhouette, and refined proportions echo the poised spirit of the shaku, making the name a fitting reflection of the chair’s character.

The Shaku Chair is both an object and an experience: of precision, of simplicity, of warmth. It is a distilled expression of KOYORI’s values—honest materials, considered design, and a global perspective grounded in craft.
In a world of fleeting trends and fast consumption, the Shaku Chair endures—not by shouting, but by standing still with quiet strength.