Poltrona Frau coffee table Kyoto

Kyoto Table – Italian Design Excellence with Japanese Inspiration

Sleek and refined, the Kyoto table, designed by architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini, embodies the perfect fusion of visionary design and master craftsmanship.

In the early 1970s, during a trip to Japan to study the techniques of local masters, Frattini visited Kyoto’s artisan workshops alongside renowned cabinetmaker Pierluigi Ghianda, who would later become his collaborator. Inspired by traditional woodworking techniques and minimalist Japanese aesthetics, Frattini conceived the Kyoto table, which went into production in 1974 and quickly became an icon of timeless design.

A Masterpiece of Fine Woodworking

Kyoto is a perfect example of understated elegance, where the construction concept itself becomes the design. Free from unnecessary decorative elements, it highlights the purity of solid wood and the precision of walnut Canaletto joints, which not only enhance the aesthetic but also reinforce the structure.

Crafting the Kyoto table requires a deep understanding of wood and exceptional craftsmanship, hallmarks of the finest Italian furniture-making tradition. Reissued by Poltrona Frau with full respect for the original design, Kyoto joins other masterpieces like Albero and Turner, further cementing the legacy of high-end cabinetry.

Exclusive Details & Handcrafted Finishes

• Open-pore black finish: Applied to the solid beech wood structure, this finish remains faithful to Frattini’s original collaboration with Ghianda.

• Bold red leg accents: A tribute to Japanese culture, achieved through a vibrant red lacquer that highlights the leg joints within the tabletop, creating a refined visual contrast.

Thanks to its historical significance and artistic value, the Kyoto table has earned a place in the permanent collection of the Design Museum at the Triennale di Milano, solidifying its status as an icon of timeless Italian design.