In 2021, we announced a conceptual collection – SEYUN – designed and manufactured by Zaha Hadid Design and Karimoku Furniture. Today, we’re happy to share that it’s left the proverbial nest behind and exists as a chair, an armchair, and a table in different dimensions. Introduced at Milan Design Week 2023, the SEYUN collection echoes Hadid’s design language and is crafted in oak using a combination of machine-made and hand-finished processes.
A story of the hardness of the wood meeting the lightness of the design makes these furniture pieces unique, as does the series of conjoined asymmetrical surfaces that reference Hadid’s aesthetic. Natural elegance is conveyed through the blending of traditional Japanese woodworking techniques with contemporary design. SEYUN is available in a selection of finishes: Pure Oak, Smoked Oak, Grain Matte Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Black, and Silver.
SEYUN Chair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
“We are delighted to see our collaboration with Karimoku Furniture continuing so fruitfully, each piece of the SEYUN collection is the result of the truly osmotic process between designers and manufacturers. Our teams worked together at every stage of the project, mutually exchanging skills and expertise, discussing ideas and finding solutions, both formally and technically,” says Woody Yao, director of Zaha Hadid Design.
SEYUN Chair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
The planar asymmetrical surfaces that make up the SEYUN Chair are unmistakably a hallmark of Hadid. Oak wood lays out the chair’s smooth curves, highlighting the natural wood grain and construction.
SEYUN Chair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Chair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Chair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Chair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Chair + SEYUN Armchair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Armchair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
Meanwhile, the SEYUN Armchair follows form, a balanced example of beauty and comfort coexisting with one another. From the sculptural armrests to the curved seat and backrest, every design aspect has been considered with ergonomics and aesthetics in mind.
SEYUN Armchair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Armchair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Armchair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Armchair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Armchair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Armchair \\\ Photo: Masaki Ogawa
SEYUN Collection \\\ Photo: Masaaki Inoue
The versatile SEYUN Table ties the collection together with a bow. Designed to allow endless configurations and available in different sizes, it makes a great addition to any living space. Visually striking and functional, you might call it unostentatiously elegant.
SEYUN Table \\\ Photo: Masaaki Inoue
Hiroshi Kato, Vice President of Karimoku Furniture Inc. commented: “Collaborating with Zaha Hadid Design, a world leader in architecture and design and a brand with a pioneering and innovative philosophy, is truly inspiring. We are particularly proud to translate Zaha Hadid’s visionary design language into a complex and tactile piece of wooden furniture, proving our knowledge and skills acquired throughout Karimoku Furniture’s history in craftsmanship.”
SEYUN Table \\\ Photo: Masaaki Inoue
SEYUM Table + SEYUN Chair \\\ Photo: Masaaki Inoue
To learn more about the SEYUN Collection, visit karimoku.com.
