The Zataku coffee table, designed in the 1960s by Saburō

Inui for Tendo Mokko, embodies the timeless elegance of Japanese design.

A key figure of his generation, Inui redefined furniture design by merging traditional craftsmanship with technical innovation. As technical director at Tendo Mokko, he played a decisive role in establishing the company as an international reference, particularly through its mastery of bentwood and its refined, functional aesthetic.

The Zataku table stands out for its thick, carefully crafted top, showcasing a rich and nuanced wood grain. Its gently curved legs extend the lines of the tabletop with fluidity, creating an organic silhouette that balances structural clarity with soft, sculptural form.

Trained in molded plywood techniques at the Industrial Arts Institute, where he notably collaborated with Yanagi Sori on the iconic Butterfly Stool, Inui developed a design language rooted in precision and simplicity. His work for Tendō Mokkō, including the Zataku and the Ply Chair, reflects this pursuit of purity and technical mastery.

Awarded the Good Design Award in 1964 and later the Long Life Design Award in 1981, the Zataku table is now considered an iconic piece. In 1973, Inui Saburō was also honored with the Kitaro Kunii Industrial Arts Award, recognizing his outstanding contribution to design.

A piece both understated and sophisticated, where every line expresses a subtle balance between tradition and modernity.