Tachi Sideboard

Tachi Sideboard

Tachi Sideboard is a contemporary furniture piece that represents a sophisticated convergence of Japanese aesthetic philosophy and modern design methodology, conceived by Turkish designer Yilmaz Dogan for QZENS Furniture and recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2025. The sideboard derives its conceptual foundation from the tachi, a medieval Japanese sword that preceded the katana and was characterized by its capacity for deep, powerful cuts, serving not merely as a weapon but as a symbol of status, power, and ceremonial significance among the samurai class. This historical reference manifests in the sideboard's defining visual characteristic: a series of intersecting lines that evoke the sharp, decisive cuts of Japanese swordcraft, creating a sculptural surface that generates dynamic interplay between light and shadow while embodying principles of energy, movement, and modernism. The design measures 240 centimeters in width, 78 centimeters in height, and 48 centimeters in depth, constructed primarily from lacquered wood panels that undergo precision CNC cutting to achieve the signature sharp lines and smooth surface finish that define the piece's geometric integrity. The structural composition incorporates brass-coated metal legs that serve dual functions as both load-bearing elements and integral aesthetic components, supporting the geometric form while contributing to the overall visual harmony of the design. A particularly notable technical innovation within Tachi Sideboard lies in its custom sliding door mechanism, engineered to ensure seamless alignment without overlapping, a solution that addresses one of the primary design challenges encountered during development. This specialized mechanism creates a deliberate gap at the junction with the main body, which necessitated a reconsideration of the support point for the legs and led to the development of an internal support structure specifically engineered to counterbalance the forward-shifting moment force, thereby maintaining static stability while preserving the design's aesthetic intentions. The production process, which transitioned from concept to prototype in 2023 and reached completion in 2024 in Ankara, reflects meticulous research into the aesthetic and structural features of Japanese swords, with particular attention to the visual impact of deep cuts, mechanical stability, and material harmony. The internal compartments are optimized for various storage needs, demonstrating the designer's commitment to merging functionality with bold aesthetics, while the sculptural surface creates a strong visual impact that varies depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions. The design philosophy underlying Tachi Sideboard exemplifies the broader approach of QZENS, a brand established in 2002 that has grown from a modest 160-square-meter workshop to an international presence with facilities in Ankara, Milan, and Erbil, maintaining a commitment to blending art with technology and combining modern production technologies with traditional handwork. The sideboard's recognition by the A' Design Award, one of the world's most prestigious design competitions, acknowledges its demonstration of creativity, ingenuity, and astuteness in furniture design, particularly in its innovative use of materials, attention to ergonomic considerations, and successful integration of cultural references with contemporary design language. The piece represents a significant contribution to furniture design discourse by demonstrating how historical weaponry aesthetics can be translated into functional domestic objects, creating what the designer describes as an object where power and nobility meet design, while the complex but not overwhelming pattern formed by the deep cuts establishes Tachi Sideboard as a sophisticated focal point capable of enhancing residential and commercial interiors with its distinctive character and refined execution.

Tachi Sideboard, Japanese-inspired furniture, contemporary sideboard design, sculptural furniture, CNC-cut wood furniture, brass-coated metal legs

— Adam Dawson