21_21 DESIGN SIGHT hosted a special exhibition “The Original” from March to June 2023, which received great acclaim. This book is a re-edited version of that exhibition, featuring a unique “textbook of design” that includes masterpieces of products.

Approximately 150 products from the 19th century to the present, selected under the theme of “originality,” are included with explanations. While conveying their charm from a modern perspective, the book introduces various everyday items such as furniture, lighting fixtures, tableware, and toys in chronological order. This deepens the understanding of the historical context and allows readers to learn about the history of product design.