The En series by Cecilie Manz

Collaborating with the Japanese company, which is a leader in the field of high-quality wood furnishing, designing a solid wood series came about naturally:  a round table distinguished by its clean, rounded shapes, paired with a chair in the same encircling design. The curved backrest is reminiscent of the Ancient Greek Klismos chairs and the legs, characterised by their ring structure, engender a sense of continuity, creating a balance of soft and angular shapes. The chair is a small one and, along with the table, makes for an intimate feel.

I chose maple wood for its lightweight and uniform structure, which marries well with the colours of the fabric and the leather that characterise the seat. I wanted to design a small chair, but I also wanted it to be comfortable, I didn’t want it to take up too much space.

We first met three years ago, before the pandemic, in Tokyo. Whenever I embark on a new collaboration, I allow myself to be very swayed by my first impression, or a word or an atmosphere. As soon as the meeting was over, I had a round table in mind, before I even designed it.

I don’t know where the idea came from, but it was an almost immediate awareness.

I wanted to design a product that would convey a particular atmosphere. Sharing food around a round table, everyone sitting there is in syntony, has the same importance and the same rights. The shape confers a feeling of “togetherness,” while offering a high degree of comfort.

It was a huge opportunity for me, there are lots of fantastic companies and every professional has their own personal work dream. I had always thought Maruni would be a good fit. I like the fact that it is very local yet very international. You can sense the company’s deep roots with the Hiroshima area instantly, along with its major presence on the international scene. After they gave me the brief, I put together ideas and shared sketches. After our first meeting, Maruni came to Denmark. That was the pivotal moment.

Because you’re presenting the very first models, you can see whether or not you’ve got it right, whether the company can envisage the finished product and if you’re on the right track or whether you have to start again from scratch. We met up, we created the first prototypes. Then back and forth, culminating in the series you’ll see at the Salone.

The Salone has always been an obligatory fixture for the entire sector. It’s all so overwhelming – when you get back from the Salone you’re drained, but full of joy and enthusiasm. That’s what really makes the difference. For me it’s like the arrival of Spring, it marks the beginning of the season. Aside from the great food, I’ve missed meeting people. That’s what the Salone’s about above all.