Coffee Table Model A
Manufactured by Yamagiwa
Japan, 1950s
Beech plywood, solid beechwood, clear lacquer finish
Measurements
115 × 55 × 45,5h cm
45,3 × 21,7 × 17,9h in
Provenance
Miyako Hotel, Kyoto, designed by Togo Murano
Literature
Kyoto Institute of Technology Museum and Archives, ed. Togo Murano and His Clients: The Architecture and Drawings of Kintetsu (村野藤吾とクライアント：「近鉄」の建築と図面資料). Tokyo: Kokusho Kankokai, 2017.
Kyoto Institute of Technology Museum and Archives. The 11th Exhibition of Togo Murano Architectural Drawings: The World of Togo Murano Revealed through Newly Discovered Materials (村野藤吾建築設計図展 11). Kyoto, 2012.
About
This Coffee Table Model A, attributed to Japanese architect Togo Murano, reflects his distinctive approach to furniture design, characterized by organic forms, refined proportions, and a sensitive understanding of materials. Associated with the architectural vocabulary of the Miyako Hotel in Kyoto, the table exemplifies an interest in creating furnishings that complement the spatial identity of an interior while maintaining their own sculptural presence.
The design is distinguished by its elongated tabletop, whose gently irregular outline introduces a sense of movement and fluidity. The softly rounded edges and subtle curvature contrast with the vertical rhythm of the four slender wooden legs, creating a carefully balanced composition. The beech plywood surface, solid beechwood edging, and clear lacquer finish emphasize the natural qualities of the timber, while the optional glass top introduces an additional reflective layer without obscuring the underlying form.
The table's construction demonstrates a restrained approach to structural expression. The legs are connected beneath the tabletop by a wooden supporting frame, providing stability while preserving an impression of lightness. Its relatively low height and generous horizontal proportions establish a strong relationship with the surrounding space, making the piece particularly suited to lounge and reception environments.
Through its combination of functional clarity and expressive detailing, the Coffee Table Model A illustrates the relationship between architecture and furniture that characterized much of Murano's work. The organic silhouette, material refinement, and carefully considered proportions transform an everyday furnishing into an integral component of a broader architectural composition.
Biography
Togo Murano (1891–1984) was one of the most influential Japanese architects of the twentieth century, recognized for his distinctive architectural language and his ability to reconcile modernist principles with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. After graduating from Waseda University in 1918, he joined the architectural office of Setsu Watanabe, where he developed his early professional experience. In 1929, Murano established his own architectural practice in Osaka, beginning an independent career that would span more than five decades.
Throughout his career, Murano developed an architectural approach that resisted strict adherence to any single movement or style. His work combined the formal innovations of European modernism with a profound appreciation for Japanese architectural traditions, particularly their emphasis on materials, craftsmanship, and spatial refinement. His extensive body of work encompassed public buildings, commercial spaces, hotels, private residences, and cultural institutions, often incorporating furniture, lighting, and decorative elements conceived specifically for their architectural settings.
Murano's architecture is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail, sophisticated treatment of materials, and sensitivity to the relationship between built environments and the human experience. His designs frequently explored the expressive possibilities of both traditional and modern construction techniques, establishing a dialogue between historical references and contemporary architectural forms. Through his integrated approach to architecture, interiors, and object design, Murano occupies a singular position in the history of Japanese modernism, leaving a legacy that continues to influence architectural practice and design.
