Every one of the Bouroullecs’ creations for KOYORI is born from a deep understanding and a desire to bring out the manufacturer’s full potential, and the Musubi Armchair is no exception. Drawing on the factory’s long-standing expertise in solid wood bending, the Bouroullec brothers drew this mastery into a sculptural form that feels both sensual and approachable.
The chair originated from Ronan Bouroullec’s exploration of creating sculptural wooden elements, tied together to compose a unified whole. These forms are realized through a combination of bentwood techniques and 5-axis NC cutting, refined by the hands of skilled artisans. Crafted with bentwood, the backrest maintains a continuous wood grain while minimizing material waste.
These sculptural elements are then connected by precise joinery—the defining feature of the chair—a knot-like musubi that gives the piece its name. The backrest and armrests convey a robust, ample presence, while the seat appears thin and almost floating in contrast. This refined sense of lightness is made possible by the exceptional joinery technique that seamlessly connects the seat to the four legs.
With gentle curves that support the body with innate sensuality, the chair recalls the comfort of classic wooden chairs, yet speaks in a distinctly forward-looking Bouroullec language. Ergonomics are seamlessly integrated, the armrests are positioned at the perfect height for the table, ensuring natural comfort. The seat is softly contoured at the center, offering subtle support that enhances comfort when sitting.
Available in natural and black finishes, the Musubi Armchair offers two distinct expressions. The natural finish reveals the warmth and tactility of wood, enhanced by the non-slip treatment that gently supports your sitting style. By contrast, the black finish sharpens the silhouette, bringing clarity to the chair’s unique sculptural form.
The Musubi Armchair embodies a design discipline that goes beyond style, revealing a deeper narrative through its form. Its structure reflects precision and restraint, where each joint and curve is resolved with clarity and purpose. This gives the chair a timeless simplicity that feels less like a designed object and more like a cultural expression — an invitation to touch, to use, and to live with over time.
