High Table
Manufactured by Yamagiwa
Japan, 1950s
Beech plywood, solid beech wood, clear lacquer finish
Measurements
45 × 32 × 70h cm
17,7 × 12,6 × 27,6h in
Provenance
Miyako Hotel, Kyoto, designed by Togo Murano
About
This high table, attributed to Japanese architect and designer Togo Murano, reflects his distinctive approach to furniture design, characterized by refined proportions, material sensitivity, and the integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern architectural principles. Associated with the Miyako Hotel in Kyoto, the piece exemplifies Murano's interest in creating furnishings that contribute to the overall spatial and aesthetic identity of an architectural interior.
The table features a gently curved, asymmetrical tabletop with softly rounded edges, supported by four slender, cylindrical wooden legs. Subtle curved supports beneath the tabletop reinforce the structure while introducing a delicate sculptural quality. The combination of beech plywood and solid beech wood, finished in clear lacquer, highlights the natural warmth and grain of the material.
Its elevated proportions and compact dimensions give the table a distinctive architectural presence, while the restrained construction emphasizes the relationship between form and function. The interplay between the organic silhouette of the tabletop and the vertical rhythm of the legs creates a balanced composition, reflecting Murano's sensitivity to scale, craftsmanship, and detail.
The piece demonstrates how Murano's architectural vocabulary could extend to individual furnishings, where even modest objects were conceived as integral elements of a carefully considered interior environment.
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.
