Rare Taichiro Nakay Coffee Table in Organic Shape

Taichiro Nakay (Nakai) for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, coffee table, teak veneer, reed, wood, Japan/Italy, 1950s

Taichiro Nakay is an incredibly talented Japanese designer who is mostly known for his participation at the Selettiva del Mobili competition in Cantù. This coffee table was presented on the contest. Its clean, energetic lines characterise the table. In the shape of a boomerang the design combines Japanese aesthetics with Italian influences. Three round legs lift up the top and emphasise the light, airy expression. Interestingly, the table also has a round basket attached to the table top, made out of braided reed. Therefore, a beautiful juxtaposition is created between de dark wood and the lighter reed material.

During the twentieth century, Cantù was considered the Italian city of furniture. However, after the war, Cantù was unable to catch up with the rapid changes while foreign countries grew in popularity and formed a competition. In order to renewal their designs and gain reputation, Cantu decided to launch an international prize competition for furniture designers that would?in order to revive the economy of the local design. The “Selettiva del Mobile” was born and would be organised every two years up until 1975. The selection for received projects was done by the Concorso Internazionale del Mobili, a highly qualified jury.

Taichiro Nakay participated during the edition from 17th September to 5th of October 1955. Overall, the 1955 edition was incredibly interesting thanks to the exceptional jury consisting of Gio Ponti, Alvar Aalto, Carlo De Carli and Finn Juhl. It was furthermore possible to win prices. As did Taichiro Nakay. With his presentation of a living room design, Nakay won a special prize together with Finish designer Ilmari Tapiovaraa and the Milanese architect Eugenia Alberti Reggio. It is easily understandable why Nakay had attracted the attention of the jury. With his salon, he had analysed the market clearly and was able to create designs with Japanese principles as well Italian constraints. His lines are simple and clean yet energetic and organic, all characteristic for Japanese creations.

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