Za is a modest and humble stool created by a thoughtful designer whose focus is on purposeful simplicity - a perfect combination with Emeco’s heritage in aluminum craftsmanship.
The name “Za,” chosen by Naoto Fukasawa, an industrial designer from Tokyo, means “a place to sit” in Japanese – a name that speaks to the multi-functionality of a simple stool that can be used anywhere, indoors and outdoors; an object a person will unconsciously choose to sit on.
The stool’s shape is the result of Fukasawa’s vision to make the seat comfortable, with a defined rim to keep you seated in the center of the stool. Fukasawa envisioned a stool that would give people “a happy mood when sitting.” The simple, joyful Za can inhabit any setting - a timeless classic to be used, cherished, kept, and passed down for generations, much like its forefather, the original 1006 Navy chair.
Naoto Fukasawa
Naoto Fukasawa is known for his designs devoted to simplicity and sublime beauty, as well as unusual ideas. Fukasawa has designed for a wide range of leading brands worldwide like Muji, Herman Miller, B&B Italia, Boffi, Maruni, and many others throughout Europe, America, and Asia. His designs, unique ideas, and consultancy work span a wide variety of fields, from precision electronic equipment to furniture and interior spaces. Fukasawa is one of the directors of 21_21 Design Sight. He also sits on the design advisory board of Muji and is the art director of Maruni. In 2006, he established “Super Normal” with Jasper Morrison. In 2017, he became a member of the judging committee for the Loewe Craft Prize. He is a professor in the Integrated Design department at Tama Art University. Since 2012, he is the chairman of The Nihon Mingei-kan (The Japan Folk Crafts Museum). Fukasawa has won numerous awards given by domestic and international institutions, including the 2018 Isamu Noguchi Award. He has published several books, most recently in 2018 ‘Naoto Fukasawa Embodiment’ (Phaidon).
We make chairs. In America. Often by hand. Mostly from recycled stuff. But always to last.