With ZENSO, the designer duo Formstelle have developed a family of chairs of sculptural character: chair, bar stool and lounge chair. The idea behind the collection enables versatile combinations within the chair family, making ZENSO universally applicable.
The expressive wooden frame incorporates two floating circles, the seat and back of the chair. Actually, the family of chairs should have been called Ensõ. The round circles follow the motif of the Ensõ, a symbol in Japanese calligraphy: Although the Ensõ is actually a symbol and not a letter, it is one of the most common drawings in Japanese calligraphy. It symbolises enlightenment and elegance, the universe and the void, but also symbolises Japanese aesthetics in itself. As an “expression of the moment”.
In Zen Buddhist philosophy, painting the Ensõ represents the moment in which the consciousness is free, and body and soul are unfettered in their creative process. Usually, the ink is applied to either silk paper or rice paper in a single stroke. There is no possibility for modification: The Ensõ shows the state of mind at the moment of ist creation. Many Zen Buddhists believe that the artist’s character is fully reflected in how he draws the Ensõ. Accordingly, only a person who is mentally and spiritually complete is able to draw a true Ensõ. Some artists practise drawing the Ensõ every day as a spiritual exercise.
From this inspiration the ZENSO family of chairs has emerged. The frame is made of solid wood, the seat and back shell consist of moulded wood and can be upholstered. The seat upholstery is always fully upholstered, the back shell with an attached cushion. ZENSO LOUNGE always has an upholstered seat and back.
By means of the concise, aesthetic design, atmospheric presentation settings can be realised in public spaces. The high level of seating comfort thanks to the large seat and backrest shells persist even after long periods of sitting and promises a relaxed time. Through the different woods, colours and upholstery variations results a multitude of combination possibilities, which can be perfectly adapted to the ambience and the architecture.