The Taburete Japonès, or Japanese Stool, was designed by Enric Miralles in 1992 following a trip to Japan that deeply inspired both him and Benedetta Tagliabue. Based on the traditional Japanese shower stool, the piece reflects a minimalist approach to construction and a reverence for cultural design heritage.
Its compact form is crafted without hidden joints, making the structure and assembly fully visible. A slot cut into the top makes it easy to lift and move, and the stool can be used in either a horizontal or vertical position. This flexibility aligns with Miralles’ broader design philosophy, one that values transformation, clarity of function, and material honesty.
Reproduced for the Perpetuum Mobile exhibition by La Navarra carpenters, six versions were made using a combination of American hardwoods: red oak, tulipwood, maple, and cherry. The oil finish enhances the natural grain and texture of the woods, emphasizing the stool’s handcrafted quality.
Though simple in form, the Taburete Japonès encapsulates Miralles’ ability to imbue everyday objects with narrative and personality. It is a quiet yet powerful piece that bridges traditional craftsmanship and architectural poetics.
