Elephant Stool

Designed by the master of Japanese design, Sori Yanagi, in 1954 as a work stool for his studio, the Elephant Stool is now one of the most iconic and beloved stools in the history of design. It epitomizes the clarity of form and functionality that characterize Yanagi’s design philosophy.

Initially, the stool was produced in Japan by Kotobuki, which, in the mid-1950s, had developed the technology for producing fiberglass-reinforced plastic. The design quickly gained popularity and became known as the Elephant Stool because its shape, when viewed from the front, resembles a stylized elephant’s head. 

After Kotobuki production passed to Habitat, and today, they are made by Vitra. Technique and materials have evolved over time, and the Elephant Stool is now made from molded polypropylene.

The Elephant Stool is a design object for everyday life, highlighting the principles of Japanese design: efficiency, balance, and elegance. The stool is lightweight, stackable, and perfectly suited for both outdoor and indoor environments. It’s an excellent design object for children, being low and virtually indestructible. It is also frequently used as a garden accessory, showcasing its great versatility and durability.

The Elephant Stool by Sori Yanagi is part of the permanent collection of the Vitra Design Museum, the MoMA in New York, the Triennale di Milano, and many other prestigious institutions worldwide.