Balancing Forms – Shigehiro Kadena
Today we highlight the captivating craftsmanship of Japanese woodworker Shigehiro Kadena. Based in Tokyo, Kadena’s creations are a testament to his artistic sensitivity and innate connection with wood. His pieces, ranging from geometrically precise designs to organic, flowing curves, are a dan
Holding Sunshine – Glass Sculpture by Rui Sasaki
The field of glass is so intriguing considering the many properties that this fascinating material holds. Opacity, colour blending, surface textures, and much more make up a piece of glass design. With that in mind, crafting a cohesive piece of work requires so many different elements to come togeth
Nature’s Inspiration – Ceramics by Keisuke Okazaki
The roots of the trees seen in the mountains and the bumpy roughness of this climate inspire the work of Japanese potter Keisuke Okazaki. Over the years he has developed a distinct style of brushing on the glaze to mimic the deep, textural qualities found in stone. This is an interesting juxtapositi
Potential of Light – SOZOU Lighting Design
Founded by Melbourne-based designer Kohtaroh Colwell-Matsuura, SOZOU studio specializes in the production of minimal-looking metal lighting pieces that create a Zen-like ambiance. Next to being connected to eastern and western philosophies, the studio’s geometric lamps bring to mind the legacy
New at OEN Shop – Textured Dishes by Mushimegane Books
I have always admired the work of Japanese artist Misa Kumabuchi of Mushimegane Books. The concept for Misa’s project revolves around people and sounds, with the pots being made as a reflection of the earth’s surface and nature in general. This work has simplicity but at the same time a
New in the Shop – Lacquerware Reimagined by SEKISAKA
In the Kawada district of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, where Echizen lacquer ware is produced, product brand SEKISAKA has been in the lacquerware industry for more than 300 years. In response to the changing times, SEKISAKA produced the series titled STORE with their intent to match our modern life
New in the Shop – Pebble Paperweights by PLYWOOD laboratory
Japanese plywood manufacturer Taizawa Plywood developed their ‘Paper-Wood’ technology in 2009. Paper-Wood is plywood with beautiful cross-section colouring that was created by laminating coloured recycled paper and natural wood grown locally in Hokkaido. Collaborating with studio Drill D
New at OEN Shop – Traditional Japanese Pottery by Nankei Studio
Nankei are a ceramic studio based in the city of Yokkaichi in Japan. They specialise in the production of traditional teapots using classic but timeless designs that date back hundreds of years. This particular area of Japan is known for a fine natural clay that’s fairly smooth in texture. Nan
New at OEN Shop – Brassware by Takeo Suhara of Yuta Craft
Just as the different clays in pottery bring a sense of depth and mystery, so does the weight and purity of a metal. I haven’t really discussed Takeo Suhara’s work in much detail due to the popularity of them. These beautiful brass utensils under his studio name ‘Yuta Craft’ really d
New at OEN Shop – Lighting by Japanese Studio Y.S.M PRODUCTS
Despite the lack of lighting in our shop it’s one of the most interesting areas of design in my opinion. The way light strikes an object ultimately plays with our overall perception, dictating the way we perceive and interact with it. I really enjoyed the work of Y.S.M PRODUCTS in Japan and I
New at OEN Shop – Stone Vases & Objects by AJI PROJECT
After last month’s successful release of the AJI PROJECT collection on our online shop, we are pleased to update their page with new works and all new photography! This particular project uses the stone found in the small town of Aji in Japan to produce these modern, handcrafted objects for th
New at OEN Shop – Ceramic Hanging Mobiles by Miki Furusho
Japanese ceramic artist Miki Furusho has mixed her talent as a potter with her eye for good design in this new hanging mobile/chime series. Furusho is known for her use of a special clay dug in the Izu Peninsula in Japan. This clay has a particular earthy feel that really does sing ‘wabi sabi’ a
