Utensils | Let's Group

After 96 years of incredible and amazing dedication on industrial design, Sori Yanagi one of the best designers in the world has died.

With its simplicity and artistry, Sori Yanagi’s design was unmistakably Japanese. And yet has become a natural part of kitchens and homes around the globe. His language of form was universal, lively and legendary. Just like him.

Still productive at an age when most have long retired, he was one of the most inspiring and respected designers in the world. As an influence in establishing and developing the Japanese design tradition, Mr Yanagi’s merits span impressive widths: from furniture, porcelain and kitchen utensils to heavy bridge construction, cars and Olympic flames.

The water kettle was just one of Sori Yanagi’s most famous designs, which included the Butterfly chair from 1954, as well as his porcelain and silverware series. His designs can be found today in permanent exhibitions around the world- from MoMA in New Yorkto the Louvre in Paris.