Tobi-Ishi

Overview

Tobi-Ishi (2012, Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby) is a dining table offered round or rectangular with rounded ends. B&B Italia calls it a sculptural table whose overhanging top and bases look different depending on the viewpoint.

Construction

• Top (T160, T240R, T313R): MDF wood fibre panel
• Legs (same codes): high density polyurethane resin
• Counterweight (T160, T240R): cast iron
• Wood versions (L codes): veneered wood particles panel with solid wood parts for the top, solid wood legs
• Marble version (T160M): marble top and legs, matt or glossy polyester finish

Specifications

• T160 round table: Ø 162 × H 72 cm
• Rectangular versions with rounded ends: 240 × 114 and 313 × 114 cm, H 72 cm

The first project for B&B Italia

Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby's first project for B&B Italia was Tobi-Ishi, a round dining table that B&B Italia describes as clearly inspired by Zen.

Image source: B&B Italia — Tobi-Ishi · © B&B Italia and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Stones of a Zen garden

The duo are described as great enthusiasts of Japanese art and culture. The name and the concept come from the smooth stones, tobi-ishi, used as ornaments in traditional Japanese Zen gardens. The overhang of the top and the vertical trapezoidal bases set at right angles are said to form an essential sculptural figure that appears to change shape with the point of observation.