New in the Shop – Handcrafted Iron Frying Pans by JIU
I’m a big fan of rethinking everyday design and seeing if there is any improvement to be made. This is exactly what Japanese design studio TENT did with Osaka-based metalworkers Fujita Metal. Fujita Metal’s speciality is the production of more traditional metal objects, from frying pans to a
New in the Shop – Sculptural Woodwork by Japanese Studio IPPEN
That unique space between art and function is one of the most interesting aspects of craft. Of course, set shapes may be used as a framework for production, but the qualities of producing by hand leaves small markings or traces that add warmth and character to an object. IPPEN is a Japanese studio c
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 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
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
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
New in the Shop – Objects by Glassworker Rie Furukawa of matsurica
When it comes to glass most artists are focused on form alone. But lying deep within this material is the potential to explore radiating tones and other subtleties in colour that cannot be explored in other mediums. Rie Furukawa is a Tokyo-based artist who focuses on crafting accessories and other s
New in the Shop – Ceramics by Maiko Wakasugi of Studio Bwanji
I think porcelain is such a beautiful material and when I saw Japanese artist Maiko Wakasugi’s work I had to reach out to her. The vertical inlayed lines on the body of her porcelain pieces catch the light wonderfully and add intrigue that’s sometimes lacking in such a pure white colour. Using a
New in the Shop – The Art of Monozukuri Expressed by Metalworkers SyuRo
On the face of it the Japanese word ‘Monozukuri’ means literally “to make things” in Japanese. But the relationship between human and object is much stronger than one might first assume. The appreciation for hand techniques, craftsmanship, and ethic are all wrapped in to this
New in the Shop – Handcrafted Japanese Lacquerware by Fujii Works
Lacquerware is still not that well understood in the West. Most people I speak to, if they have heard about it at all, have an image of the shiny black Chinese lacquerware with patterns painted in gold, red or black. Very different to what we are presenting here in our shop. Fujii Works have dedicat
New in the Shop – Wooden Furniture & Objects by PLYWOOD laboratory
It’s exciting when designers who don’t necessarily have the practical skills to produce something themselves, but who have a keen eye for what looks good and what the market needs, collaborate with makers who have the experience and techniques necessary to bring these ideas to fruition.
New in the Shop – Inside the Studio of Japanese Ceramic Artist Miki Furusho
We welcome the work of ceramic artist Miki Furusho in our shop. I always like to show photos from inside the maker’s studio as I think it gives more depth and meaning to their work. It’s only when you can see the techniques and the care and attention that goes on in this work that [&hell
