Following on a landmark exhibition in Tokyo, ‘The Original’ features some 150 examples of product design from the 19th century to today, each one chosen by Naoto Fukasawa for its pioneering originality. The book’s chronological organisation clearly lays out the evolution of diverse product categories – from furniture and lighting to tableware, toys, and more – offering readers a better understanding of the social context behind the works as well as the history of product design itself. Featured are names such as Franco Albini, Lina Bo Bardi, Konstantin Grcic, Alvar Aalto, Eileen Gray, Sori Yanagi, Formafantasma, and many more. Short texts shed light on the appeal of each item from a modern-day perspective.