Cho Daisaku

Daisaku Cho, born in 1928, was a major Japanese designer of the 20th century, recognized for his impact on modern furniture in Japan. After studying at the University of Tokyo, he joined the agency of Junzo Sakakura, a key figure in Japanese modernist architecture. There, he absorbed the principles of modernism, notably those of Le Corbusier, and applied them to furniture design, merging Japanese traditions with Western concepts of functionality and simplicity. Cho is best known for his collaboration with Tendo Mokko, a pioneering manufacturer of modern furniture. He created the "Teiza" chair, an iconic piece presented at the 1960 Milan Triennale. Inspired by Sakakura's "Bamboo Chair," the "Teiza" retains the simplicity of its predecessor's design while introducing more modern and functional elements, such as the use of bent wood and plywood. The chair embodies a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, combining natural materials and clean lines. This design was praised for its comfort, beauty, and respect for Japanese culture. His work was awarded multiple times, notably at the 1967 World Expo, where Cho received a prize for his contributions to design and innovation. He is recognized for introducing minimalist forms in Japan, and his influence shaped a generation of designers. Cho successfully combined traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design principles, solidifying his role as a pioneer in the evolution of furniture in Japan.