Getsuen Chair
Made by Edra
Masanori Umeda conceived the Getsuen Chair in 1990 as a meditation on natural form, its silhouette drawn directly from the open bloom of a lily. The name means "moon garden" in Japanese, a phrase that locates the work precisely within Umeda's poetic register.
That sensibility was shaped by two distinct worlds: his apprenticeship under Achille Castiglioni in Milan, and his deep roots in Japanese craft culture. The resulting object holds both traditions without resolving them, which is part of its quiet power.
- Hand-modeled steel frame, shaped through direct fabrication
- Medium-density panels with polyurethane foam cushioning
- Velvet finish that amplifies every contour of the petal form
- Chromed brass feet with discreet green PLT casters
The casters offer mobility without diminishing the chair's ceremonial presence. Produced by Edra in Tuscany, it remains one of the clearest expressions of how postmodern Italian design absorbed, and was genuinely transformed by, influences from outside Europe.
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Getsuen Chair
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Getsuen Chair and when?
The Getsuen Chair was designed by Japanese designer Masanori Umeda for Edra in 1990. Umeda trained under Achille Castiglioni in Milan before returning to a practice informed by both European postmodernism and Japanese craft traditions.
What does 'Getsuen' mean?
Getsuen is a Japanese word meaning 'moon garden.' The name reflects Umeda's poetic approach to design, situating the chair within a natural and contemplative register rather than a strictly functional one.
What materials is the Getsuen Chair made from?
The chair is built on a hand-modeled steel frame supported by medium-density panels, with polyurethane foam cushioning and a velvet outer finish. Chromed brass feet and green PLT casters complete the construction.
Is the Edra Getsuen Chair still in production?
Yes, Edra continues to produce the Getsuen Chair as part of its permanent collection. It is made to order at Edra's facility in Tuscany, Italy.
How does the Getsuen Chair relate to Memphis design?
Masanori Umeda was an active participant in the Memphis Group, the Milan-based collective founded by Ettore Sottsass in 1981. The Getsuen Chair, though designed after his Memphis years, carries forward that movement's interest in organic metaphor, cultural hybridity, and design as a form of expression beyond utility.