SOTANAKA's Uneri Collection: Furniture Inspired by Fallen Branches

Tokyo-based studio SOTANAKA, led by designer Soichiro Tanaka, presented the Uneri collection during Three Days of Design. The furniture line is inspired by camphor tree branches fallen among flower beds in Tokyo. Tanaka's design process eschews sketches, instead beginning with experimentation and intuition drawn from surroundings. Branches with diameters between 3 and 5 cm are selected, with thinner ones used for delicate curves and thicker ones for structural strength. Camphor wood is chosen for its durability and insect resistance. A custom joinery method, adapted from the half-lap joint, accommodates each branch's unique curvature. The collection features a matte black enamel finish, chosen to highlight contours and reference traditional Japanese techniques like lacquer and ink. The result is a solid, fairy-tale-like collection of functional furniture.