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
Claying with Type – Works by Hanna Whitehead & Guomundur Ulfarsson
Challenging the boundaries of design by finding inspiration from various sectors is what creativity is all about. Through the material that you source and scratch away at you leave small fragments that become ideas, stitching a foundation that will become your own work, thus seeing your vision come
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
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
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
Experiments in Shape – Paintings & Prints by Serena Mitnik-Miller
There’s an interesting element to artwork that has repetitive elements. The effect on the actual artist is more of a meditation, putting order on a canvas that has so many possibilities in terms of colour and shape. A process of cleansing that’s sure to give a sense of balance to oneR
Honest Design – The KYSS Range by Tom Fereday & Kenny Yong-soo Son
On principle I’m sure most designers would love to be more open to honest ways of working. Unfortunately it’s not always up to the designer thanks to the larger companies standing behind such projects. Materials are often substituted for materials of lesser quality. Methods of constructi
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