Isamu Kenmochi

Kenmochi met artist and designer Isamu Noguchi in the summer of 1950 on Noguchi's first trip to Japan. Together, the two developed a number of furniture designs, pioneering the Japanese Modern style which integrated the material culture of Japanese furniture with modernist styles. In 1952, Kenmochi visited the United States, later writing about the visit in the Industrial Arts Research Institute's publication, Kogei Nyusu. Later that year, Kenmochi became a founding member of the Japan Industrial Designers Association. • Illustration — Basket Chair by Isamu Kenmochi and Isamu Noguchi In 1964, Kenmochi's 1958 design for a lounge chair commissioned by the Yamakawa Rattan Company was added to the design collection of the MoMA. The design additionally won the G-Mark Prize (Good Design Selection System). Kenmochi died by suicide on 3 June 1971 in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Isamu Kenmochi studied at Tokyo College of Industrial Arts. Training under Bruno Taut is recorded. Places of work recorded in the authority are Japan. Employment is recorded with Industrial Arts Research Institute, Tama Art University and Kyoritsu Women's Junior College. Work by Isamu Kenmochi is recorded in the collections of Museum of Modern Art.

• Native Name — 剣持勇 • Born — 2 January 1912 • Birthplace — Tokyo • Place of death — Shinjuku, Tokyo • Education — Chiba University • Awards — G-Mark Prize Mainichi Design Prize • Illustration — Round Rattan Chair (1960)