Some pieces of contemporary furniture try to command attention with statement-making forms, while others aim to seduce with pared-down, meticulously detailed perfection. Nendo is remarkable in its ability to blend these two seemingly disparate qualities in objects that are simultaneously provocative and beautiful in their simplicity. And this ability has made the Tokyo- and Milan-based studio one of the most sought-after design firms of the moment.
Nendo is best known for its expansive portfolio of furniture and accessories designed for such luxury makers as Baccarat, Bisazza, Boffi, Cappellini, De Padova, Emeco, FLOS, Foscarini, Fritz Hansen, Kartell, Lasvit, Louis Poulsen, Moroso and Swarovski, as well as for the one-off and limited-edition pieces presented by galleries like New York’s Friedman Benda. But its range is much broader.
Nendo’s full oeuvre runs the gamut from product packaging for such brands as Coca-Cola and Kenzo to large-scale urban-planning and architecture projects, including Tenri Station Plaza CoFuFun, which populated the space in front of a Japanese rail terminal with a series of conical pavilions, turning it into a sort of urban playground for people of all ages.
Whatever the undertaking, the studio’s approach remains the same: embodying lighthearted insights into the human experience in minimalist forms and details. Nendo’s Gaku collection, for the legendary lighting company FLOS, for instance, is based on a simple cup-shaped lamp in a square frame, which can be personalized and changed over time by adding magnetic accessories, including a bookend, mirror, vase and bowl, making it almost as playful as a grown-up dollhouse.
The now iconic Cabbage chair, Nendo’s most recognizable design, offers a whimsical way to deal with trash from the fashion industry. A fat roll of discarded paper used in the production of Issey Miyake’s pleated fabric is simply cut down the middle and its individual layers peeled open to create a seat.
It wasn’t always evident that chief designer and Nendo cofounder Oki Sato would spend his life finding subtle surprises in tables, floor lamps and chairs. He was born in Toronto, where his father worked for Pioneer Electronics, and moved with his family to Tokyo when he was 11. He studied architecture at Waseda University but found the program a little too narrow and rigid for his liking.
After graduating, in 2002, he traveled with friends to the Salone del Mobile in Milan and stumbled into the biggest aha moment of his life: He realized that architects could do more than design buildings — they could also design furniture, lighting and other objects. And the architects at the fair appeared to be enjoying plenty of creative freedom while doing so.
Upon returning to Tokyo, he founded Nendo, whose name means “flexible clay” in Japanese, with his classmate Akihiro Ito, the firm’s managing director. In 2005, they established a second office, in Milan. Within a few years, Nendo had become an omnipresent name at the fair that had inspired them.
Nendo’s wares have been acquired by such institutions as New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; London’s Victoria and Albert; and Paris’s Musée des Arts Décoratifs and Centre Pompidou.
Find Nendo furniture on 1stDibs.
$7,628Sale Price|30% Off
Minotti Torii Angled Low Sofa in Boucle by Nendo
By Nendo
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Torii Angled Low Sofa by Minotti, a stunning addition to any modern living space. This sleek and sophisticated piece features a unique angled design, adding a touch o...
Fabric
Customizable La Manufacture-Paris Stack Sofa Designed by Nendo
By Nendo
Located in New York, NY
Stack is a cushion casually tossed on top of another cushion. Pouf with cushion — Structure black lacquered mdf Different models and sizes available Pouf with cushion Size: W2400...
Textile
Customizable La Manufacture-Paris Stack Sofa Designed by Nendo
By Nendo
Located in New York, NY
Stack is a cushion casually tossed on top of another cushion. Pouf with cushion — Structure black lacquered mdf Pouf with 2 cushions Size: W3140XD1800XH900 W 123" 5/8 xD70" 7/8 x...
Textile
Customizable La Manufacture-Paris Stack Sofa Designed by Nendo
By Nendo
Located in New York, NY
Stack is a cushion casually tossed on top of another cushion. Pouf with cushion — Structure black lacquered mdf Pouf with cushion Size: W1800XD2400XH740XSH420 W 70" 7/8 xD94" 1/2 ...
Textile
Customizable La Manufacture-Paris Stack Sofa Designed by Nendo
By Nendo
Located in New York, NY
Stack is a cushion casually tossed on top of another cushion. Pouf with cushion — Structure black lacquered mdf Pouf with cushion
Textile
Sacha Sofa - Modern Sofa in Soft White Bouclé
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
The Sacha Sofa is a modern and stylish piece of furniture that will add a touch of elegance to any room. It is upholstered in a luxurious Soft Wite boucle fabric in warm white, which not only looks great but also feels soft and comfortable. The sofa features a unique and eye-catching iconic modern design that adds a sense of movement and flow to the room. The curves and channels of the sofa provide an iconic statement piece. The frame of the Sacha Sofa is constructed with a sturdy wooden structure and upholstered with a soft cloud boucle fabric. Overall, the Sacha Sofa is a beautifully designed and well-made piece of furniture that will make a statement in any room. Whether you use it in your living room, bedroom, or office, this chair will add a touch of modern elegance and sophistication to your space. The Sacha Sofa features layers of channeled fabric to create a chic and sophisticated lounge. One of Shine by S.H.O's most iconic designs began as a Chaise and has transformed into an entire family of products. Our Sacha Sofa is made to order in California and featured here in our Grade J Soft White...
Upholstery
$895Sale Price|81% Off
H 27.5 in W 38.5 in D 38.5 in
La Manufacture-Paris Green Champignon Pouf Designed by Front in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Drawing inspiration from the surprising and unique shape of mushrooms, Front imagined a strikingly singular pouf design that sprouts from the ground. Made in Italy. Pouf (only with ...
Textile
Enzo Minotti Italian Sofa in Luxurious Velvet, 1950s
By Minotti
Located in Bochum, NRW
Large sofa, four seats, designed by Enzo Minotti, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s. Wooden structure reupholstered in luxurious Rubelli velvet. Wood feet. Angular shaped design, with comfor...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Four-Sided Lobby Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic style four-sided sofa ideal for a large lobby or foyer. With vintage style brown tufted leather upholstered backrests and seats, raised on turned mahogany feet and finished...
Leather
1970s Design Italian Sofa in Bouclé
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered. - Base made of plywood. - Measure: height of seat 40 cm.
Bouclé, Plywood
CLARISSE SOFA - Modern Sofa in Cream Boucle
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
CLARISSE SOFA - Modern Sofa in Cream Boucle The Clarisse sofa is a modern and stylish addition to any living space. Its high-end construction and premiu...
Upholstery
$2,480Sale Price|89% Off
H 27 in W 86 in D 40 in
La Manufacture-Paris Moos Sofa by Sebastian Herkner in STOCK
By Sebastian Herkner
Located in New York, NY
MOO_COM_2 Sofa 2 seat Upholstery in DEDAR ATLAS, color avorio 001 CAT.6 Size: W2196xD1038xH705 mm W86" 29/64 xD 40" 55/64 xH27" 3/4 Moos is the German translation of the word moss. ...
Fabric
Modern Curved Loose Cushion Sofa, Customizable Design
By The Tailored Home, Jhon Ortiz
Located in Greenwich, CT
This modern curved sofa is built to order and features three loose back cushions with a single cushioned seat. The gently curved form creates a welcoming...
Maple, Linen
CURVE SOFA - Modern Layered Asymmetrical Sofa in Cream Boucle
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
CURVE SOFA - Modern Layered Asymmetrical Sofa in Cream Boucle The Curve sofa features layered asymmetrical design elements that are both sophisticated...
Upholstery
$24,320 / item
H 32 in W 108 in D 44 in
ASYM SOFA - Modern Asymmetrical Sofa in Curly Lamb Boucle in Soft White
By Susan Hornbeak-Ortiz
Located in Laguna Niguel, CA
ASYM SOFA - Modern Asymmetrical Sofa in Curly Lamb Boucle in Soft White The Asym Sofa is a stylish and elegant piece of furniture featuring an asymmetrical ...
Upholstery
$8,457
H 31.5 in W 87.41 in D 31.5 in
2213 3-seater leather sofa by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark 1962
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This famous and beautiful shaped 3-seater sofa, model 2213, was designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture in Denmark in 1962. Mogensen designed this sofa for his own living...
Leather, Wood
Customizable Artifort Ondo Sofa by René Holten
By Rene Holten, Artifort
Located in New York, NY
Rising from the arm, the seat and back fuse together into the other arm. Simple principles provide the best design for a comfortable sofa. A sparse supporting frame allows the seat a...
Textile