Trifle is a side table that was created by product designer Daisuke Kitagawa. Exhibited in the
SaloneSatellite at Salone del Mobile.Milano, Trifle was originally designed as a small table
incorporating a trash bin. Utilizing a simple and minimal design, the designer actualized and
combined two functional elements, one a side table and the other a magazine rack or a trash bin, by
the simple shaping of the object in a horizontal fashion. In addition to the simplicity and minimalist
appearance of the design, the sharply cut slit opening and the paper-thin metal construction of this
piece makes a delicate impression but one that is sharp and solid at the same time. The cylindrical
body of this side table is made by first cutting and bending fan-shaped steel plates, and then welding
both ends together. A raising process is then applied to the steel basket in order to create a precise
cone shape. By welding the circular steel top and base plate together from the inside, we made sure
that no signs of welding appear on the surface. This is a precision product due to the accuracy of the
bending process and the raising technique used for metal forming.
In the last stage of manufacture, coating professionals use hand-blown coating techniques to
accurately and carefully apply a matte texture finish from the outside to the inside. Painting the
inside surface of any object smoothly and evenly by hand-blowing is, in fact, a very difficult
technique. Trifle reflects the bond between the creation team of artisans skilled in metalwork and
metal coating, acting under the direction of the designer, Kitagawa.