The Tobi-Ishi Table
THE TABLE THAT BECAME A SCULPTURE
The concept for the Tobi-Ishi table derived from the idea of the large ornamental stepping stones found in Japanese gardens, which represent balance and harmony.
Departing from the traditional four legs or central pedestal, the Tobi-Ishi has vertical trapezoidal supports, set at right angles. In conjunction with its overhanging top, these generate a sculptural figure that is both ancient and modern in character, whose shape appears to shift according to the angle of view.
Design by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby
The table was originally fabricated in an experimental material developed by B&B Italia involving a skin of cement grout, spread by hand, whose heft complemented the design’s monumental character. The Tobi-Ishi was subsequently offered in white Carrara and black Marquina marble.
Three years after the launch of the dining table, a low table was introduced to the range, with new dimensions and a rectangular shape, in solid oak.
In 2017 an outdoor version of the dining table was produced in cement in two colour variants, grey and anthracite.
Jay Osgerby discusses the launch of the Tobi-Ishi Outdoor version.
