Musubi

Stool for Chinen Mizuki

This stool was inspired by the word Musubi. Musubi is an ancient Japanese Shinto concept, and it is the idea that things and life are formed by connecting various things. The shape of this stool is based on the motif of a Mizuhiki bow knot. When viewed from the front, the design is linear, but when viewed from an angle, the seat appears to have a gentle curve. When not in use, it can be folded up for compact storage. It can be easily assembled by simply inserting the parts without using nails or screws.

Download Press Kit № 169688

Download Press Kit № 169688 Stool for Chinen Mizuki by Chinen Mizuki to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Musubi by Chinen Mizuki

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Stool by Chinen Mizuki

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Chinen Mizuki Musubi

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Chinen Mizuki Stool

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Musubi Stool Press Releases

Discover our press releases for Musubi available in the following languages: English.

Unique Properties

The shape of this stool is based on the motif of a bow-knotted mizuhiki. Mizuhiki is a decorative cord used in Japanese culture to wrap gifts for celebrations. Among them, the bow-knotted mizuhiki is a way of tying that is used for joyful celebrations no matter how many times it is used. Additionally, when viewed from the front, the stool appears to have a linear design, but from an angle, the seat reveals a gentle curve.

Tags

Design, Chair, Furniture, Furniture Design

Production Technology

A technique called paper hinge is used to join the boards together. Paper hinge is a technique used in traditional Japanese folding screens. Also, this stool is made of cedar wood. Cedar is soft, lightweight, and strong. Moreover, it is a material that does not easily deteriorate even in humid places, making it suitable for the hot and humid climate of Japan.

Design Challenge

I had a hard time figuring out how to make it strong with just wood and paper, and how to prevent it from breaking. We have reviewed the design many times in order to achieve both durability as a stool and the convenience of disassembling it.

Project Duration

The project started in January 2025 in Okinawa.

Operation Flow

This stool is divided into two parts and can be folded to make it compact when not in use. It can be easily assembled by simply inserting the parts without using nails or screws.

Research

We researched how to incorporate traditional Japanese techniques and materials into the design.

Inspiration

This stool was inspired by the word Musubi. Musubi is one of the traditional Japanese Shinto concepts, and it is the idea that things and life are formed by connecting various things. It was created with the hope that the person who uses this stool will be connected to good things.

Project Overview

Musubi Stool has been a Silver winner in the Furniture Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Chinen Mizuki.

Silver Recognition

Chinen Mizuki was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Musubi Stool.

Chinen Mizuki Press Releases

Journalists and media members can enrich their content with our press releases on Chinen Mizuki, available for free use. Press members can now immediately access 1 press releases.

Chinen Mizuki's Musubi Stool Wins Silver at 2025 A' Furniture Design Award for Innovative Fusion of Tradition and Function

Okinawa-based designer Chinen Mizuki has been honored with the Silver A' Furniture Design Award 2025 for her Musubi stool, a foldable cedar wood seat inspired by traditional Japanese motifs and techniques, blending cultural heritage with modern practicality.

Chinen Mizuki Newsroom

Visit Chinen Mizuki Newsroom for an inside look at exceptional design and award-winning projects.