New in the Shop – Bags Handcrafted by Mami Nakamura of COMON
COMON are a bag brand headed by Mami Kakamura, a designer and creative based in Tokyo. What drew me to Mami’s work is her ability to mix her passion for modern design and her interest in high craftsmanship. Taking real care and attention when it comes to the overall construction and usability
Rethinking Waste Materials – Anima: Memorial Service by Kosuke Araki
As creatives we often think about our relationship with objects from a human perspective. Why do we connect with such an object? What kind of atmosphere do they give off? But we don’t necessarily think about the components that make up these objects. There’s no doubt that we need to be m
Botanical Animation – Story of Flowers 2 by Artist Makoto Azuma
I remember back in 2012 purchasing the first book by Makoto Azuma titled ‘Encylopedia of Flowers’. Drawn in by the book design by Kenya Hara, a designer who helps MUJI with their own branding and image, I then became fascinated by artist Makoto Azuma’s work itself and his stunning
Experiments in Urushi – Lacquerware by Japanese Artist Genta Ishizuka
A maker of much fascination to me is Japanese lacquer artist Genta Ishizuka. He has used this traditional material to convey some of the contemporary ways in which one can explore this art form and bring joy and curiosity through it. To say Ishizuka had a great 2019 would be an understatement. Not o
OEN Issue 2 – A Visit to Woodworker Shuji Nakagawa’s Studio
With hundreds of years of tradition comes hundreds of years of history to uphold. No pressure then. It takes a special maker to not only take a craft by the scruff of the neck, but to run with it and adapt in a contemporary way; to translate the work for a new audience while holding […]
New at OEN Shop – Mobiles by the Japanese Craftsmen at Tempo
We are pleased to introduce these special handcrafted mobiles by workshop Mother Tool in Japan that were made to link old technology with new and bring a sense of play to any space.
Rising from Nature – A Selection of Furniture Handcrafted by Siki
Siki Furniture, a factory based in the city of Asakura in Fukuoka Prefecture, was one that I came across on my travels and I was blown away by the design style and their strong focus on handicraft.
Documenting Tradition – Masters of Japan by Photographer Giacomo Bruno
This particular series that I picked out was captured by Italian photographer Giacomo Bruno from his travels in Japan that document a selection of Japanese craftsmen working in various fields.
New at OEN Shop – Ceramics by Japanese Potter Shinko Nakanishi
We are really pleased to release this selection of new ceramics in our shop by Japanese potter Shinko Nakanishi that are unique in shape and feature beautiful oil spotting all over them.
Timeless in Nature – A Look at Chochikukyo House in Oyamazaki, Kyoto
As part of our travel series we take a visit to Chochikukyo House in Kyoto Prefecture that was designed in the 1920's and integrates both Japanese and Western techniques respectively.
Deep Beautiful Blue – Japanese Indigo Farmers and Dyers BUAISOU
BUAISOU are indigo farmers and dyers based in Tokushima, Japan and pride themselves on controlling the whole process from start to finish by using traditional techniques.
New Maker at OEN Shop – Ceramics by Japanese Potter Keisuke Okazaki
We are proud to release the first selection of pottery by Kamakura-based Japanese craftsman Keisuke Okazaki who creates these beautiful, matte finished pots that are unique in shape and colour.
