Life can be full of little surprises, like when you leave a crumpled tissue in your jean pocket only to be greeted by a lint snowstorm in the dryer, or when you ram your pelvis into an unmoving subway turnstile just before realizing you have insufficient fare. There are pleasant surprises in life too, as few and far between as they seem: discovering money in a coat pocket, running into an old friend, or finding an autograph in a used book, to name a few.

The Kai table, designed by Naoki Hirakoso and Takmitsu Kitahara, is precisely about little surprises. What initially appears to be a smooth wooden tabletop unfolds to reveal numerous hidden storage compartments in varying shapes and sizes. Hinged cupboards, sliding drawers and shifting panels join together like a seamless puzzle arranged with trademark Japanese precision. Now whether the Kai table stores good or bad surprises is up to you.

All photos © Takumi Ota

by Kelly Chan

posted in Product

tagged design, furniture, interiors, japan, japanese design, Naoki Hirakoso, product, products, surprise, table, tables, tabletop, Takmitsu Kitahara

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