The Timeless Classics – Furniture by Shin Okuda of Waka Waka
If we look back at Alvar Aalto and the other icons of the modernist design we have take in to account that this aesthetic has become a particular style or category in design. Whether that’s good or bad can be debated, but the film grain aesthetic, which obviously matches that specific time per
New at OEN Shop – Ceramics Handmade by Japanese Studio TOKINOHA
The rarity of a workshop that supports multiple craftsmen and their output is quite rare. I think it takes a particular kind of craftsman to want to go this route, looking to build a sustainable business around craft so that many more can enjoy these kind of works. That’s exactly what Kyoto-based
New Feature – Interview with Japanese designer Kensaku Oshiro
We recently released the ‘Kino Stool’ by Memo Furniture in collaboration with Japanese designer Kensaku Oshiro. Born in Okinawa, Kensaku studied at the Polytechnic School in Milan and worked at Barber & Osgerby in London. Oshiro used the inspiration of the surrounding Seattle landsc
Refined Minimalist Lines – Furniture Series by Studio HAOS
To achieve harmony in all the different areas that make up a great piece of design is no mean feat. Furniture in particular has so many unique elements that it seems as though it would almost be impossible to create a cohesive look that could span a whole collection. That’s why I admired this
Interconnectedness of Things – Works in Clay by Jonathan Phillips
Jonathan Phillips was an artist I spotted on Instagram quite a while back and have been following intently ever since. Currently based on the Welsh borders, Phillips was assistant to Italian potter Pietro Maddalena and later moved back to the UK to pursue ceramics as a career. Although the proportio
New in the Shop – Iron Teapots Handmade by IWACHU
Although I try not to make a distinction between new and old, it’s exciting to see those workshops that have stood the test of time and continue to use artisanal skills to produce beautiful objects that have become staples. In Morioka, Japan resides IWACHU, a family run workshop who have been prod
Movement of Water – MELT Series by Furniture Maker Antrei Hartikainen
Sculptural meets functional with this series by Finish designer and master cabinetmaker Antrei Hartikainen. No doubt Antrei’s strong interest in design has helped his woodwork come on leaps and bounds. Not only is he able to make functional pieces of furniture, he’s able to put forward h
Inside the Workshop – A Short Film on Woodworkers Mori Kougei
This is a real treat! See below our newest short film highlighting the work of Tokushima-based woodworkers Mori Kougei. Mori Woodwork is headed by craftsman Hiroyuki Mori in Tokushima, Japan. Mori specialises in a technique called ‘Tsukiita’ that involves slicing wood in to a thin, paper
A Nod to Bauhaus – The Zoersel House by Arjaan De Feyter
Many architectural projects are so fragmented that it’s difficult for the architect or main designer to really put their own stamp on a project. This can often have long lasting effects, creating a property that’s not that cohesive overall and fails to hit the exact creative direction th
New at OEN Shop – A Selection of Woodwork by HAKO SHIKI
The distinct bumps and textures of the maker’s tools are what make crafts so special. Japanese woodworker Masayuki Yanai has put these details to good use, his project titled ‘HAKO SHIKi’ involves wood that would otherwise go to waste. Masayuki believes that there are too many tree
Download our Free Guide – Our Top 10 Favourite Places in Japan
Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin on Naoshima Island We are often asked what our favourite places to visit are for art and design inspiration. Naturally, through producing content for our blog for over 10 years we have come across many inspiring places and many unique companies along the way. Japa
Transforming the Ordinary – FRAME House by Kouichi Kimura Architects
This is Japanese architecture at its best! Designed by Kouichi Kimura Architects, the FRAME House is located in Shiga, Japan and has been wonderfully captured here by talented photographer Norihito Yamauchi. Built adjacent to small stream and a selection of cherry trees, Kimura’s goal was to c
