Sori-Yanagi-Obituary

Sori Yanagi

Obituary

TOKYO (AP) — Sori Yanagi, whose designs for stools and kitchen pots brought the simplicity and purity of Japanese decor into the everyday, has died. He was 96.

The pioneer of Japan's industrial design died of pneumonia in a Tokyo hospital Sunday, Koichi Fujita of Yanagi Design Office said Monday.

Yanagi's curvaceous "butterfly stool," evocative of a Japanese shrine gate, won an award at La Triennale di Milano in 1957 and helped elevate him to international stature.

The work later joined the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Louvre museum in Paris.

Another typical Yanagi design was the stackable plastic stool, humorously called the "elephant stool," because of its resemblance to the animal's chunky feet.

The lines and curves of Yanagi designs were as distinctly Japanese as they were universal, winning him fans — and a place in homes not only in Japan but around the world — for his tea pots, ceramic cups and even the lowly whisk, which became artwork with his touch.

Yanagi chose design for his career after falling in love with the work of architect Le Corbusier while studying at a Tokyo fine art university.

Credited with paving the way on the international stage for younger Japanese designers, Yanagi also took up more monumental pieces, such as bridges and the Olympic torch, as well as a motorcycle and toys.

He supported Japanese traditional art throughout his life, and he served as head of the Japan Folk Crafts Museum in Tokyo, which his philosopher father founded.

Funeral arrangements were not being disclosed as the ceremony is for family and close friends. He is survived by his wife Fumiko and four children, Fujita said.

YURI KAGEYAMA,AP Business Writer


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My sincere sympathies are with the Yanagi family, during your time of mourning, I would like to express my sincere condolence at the loss of your loved one. May the tender mercy that God has always shown be with your family now so you will know that you are not alone and may the prayers of others help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day.

To The Yanagi Family,

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your love one. May the peace of God excels all thought comfort you during this time of sadness. 2 Co.1:3,4

Condolences, Hilda, South Carolina

With deepest sympathy to the Yanagi family that Sori will return to the days of his youthful vigor - Job 33:25 and continue to use his gift of design for the world to enjoy.

Family and friends please take out time
to relect that our love ones and friend will
hear his voice (Jesus) and come back to a ressurection of life (John 5:28)

Dear Yanagi Family,
Please accept my condolence. May your loving memories sustain you and persevering in prayer comfort you. Romans 12:12

Deepest Sympathy, Robin

To the the family of Sori Yangi - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.