Wooden Utensils by Atelier tree song at OEN Shop

Handmade Utensils by Taisuke Hirabayashi at OEN Shop 1

Picking creatives to represent in the shop is a long term commitment, a collaboration if you will. More thought goes in to the product selection than you might assume. Some makers just hit me with their uniqueness, others have a very consistent aesthetic that plays with my architectural senses. One individual who teeters on the boundary of both is woodworker Taisuke Hirabayashi, owner of studio Atelier tree song in Tokyo, Japan.

I was blown away by his unique half lacquer cutlery that you see here, not only the striking appearance but also the attention to detail that features in his handiwork. It takes an incredible amount of skills to create such beautiful forms and his full lacquer pieces are particularly refined, with their smooth urushi coating and thin dimensions. Both are a contrast and sit nicely alongside each other.

A quote by George Nakashima really reminded me of such functional work, he once said “Each plank … can have only one ideal use. The woodworker must find this ideal use and create an object of utility to man, and if nature smiles, an object of lasting beauty”. Not only has Taisuke created utility to man, he’s also produced objects of lasting beauty that will stand the test of time.

Click here to shop woodwork by Atelier Tree Song →

Handmade Utensils by Taisuke Hirabayashi at OEN Shop 2

Handmade Utensils by Taisuke Hirabayashi at OEN Shop 4

Handmade Utensils by Taisuke Hirabayashi at OEN Shop 3

Handmade-Utensils-by-Taisuke-Hirabayashi-at-OEN-Shop-6

Handmade Utensils by Taisuke Hirabayashi at OEN Shop 5

BECOME A PART OF OUR DESIGN JOURNEY

Special discounts on OEN Shops curated collection

  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes content
  • Early access to content from our OEN publication
  • Deep dive into design concepts
  • Curated guides to the worlds top art and design cities
Become a patron at Patreon!
This content is available exclusively to members of OEN Patreon at $5 or more.