Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have created a series of contemporary objects for Japan Brand, using traditional Japanese craft techniques.
After visiting several workshops in one of Japan's famed lacquer-ware producing areas, Wajima, the brothers decided to focus on producing a collection of products that could illustrate the wide range of possibilities of lacquer applications.
The collection comprises a lamp, a desk lamp, a double lunch tray and a pocket mirror.
Photographs are copyright of Paul Tahon and R & E Bouroullec unless otherwise stated.
Here's more information from the Bouroullecs:
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Following their mission of developing Japan's craftsmanship and industry, Japan Brand invited us to conceive a contemporary object using traditional know-hows, trying to open the way for new uses and applications.
As we were first oriented towards traditional lacquer ware and cutlery, Ronan had the opportunity to visit several workshops from one of Japan's great lacquer ware producing areas: Wajima.
After ten days in fascinating immersion with craftsmen, trying to understand all techniques, fabrication atmospheres and decisive criteria for realization, we decided to concentrate onto lacquer ware only and to choose the workshop we felt most appropriate for a deep and smooth collaboration.
Whereas the demand concerned one sole object, we insisted on proposing a collection that could illustrate the wide range of possibilities of lacquer applications.
We thus worked onto four objects that had deliberately different destinations such as culinary, domestic and nomadic applications.
Our main desire was to show the beauty of perfectly reflecting lacquer and its possible uses in everyday life, through simple yet precious objects of sorts.
The lamp is a luminous box that highlights the magnificence of lacquer while presenting large shiny surfaces reflecting light.
Thanks to the red glow diffused by the light when switched on, a very subtle mood emanates from the lacquer and creates a smooth and captivating atmosphere.
The desk lamp is an assemblage of three elements that remind distinctly of very traditional lacquer ware shapes. Above photograph copyright of Tetsuya Ito.
The final piece that derives from this simple combination suggests the infinite possibilities offered by the material and its classical elements. It shows that familiar forms can give birth to different and mysterious contemporary objects. Above photograph copyright of Tetsuya Ito.
The use of Leds in both lights enhances the impact of the marriage between ancient and recent techniques. Above photograph copyright of Tetsuya Ito.
The double lunch tray set is a precious box, initially thought as a culinary object but with several possible applications. Above photograph copyright of Tetsuya Ito.
Closed by two magnets the shape seems to present an infinite curve, with no asperity. Open, it proposes a symmetrical double-tray that can welcome any kind of food or object. Above photograph copyright of Tetsuya Ito.
The pocket mirror is a nomadic and delicate object that expresses the wonderful texture of the lacquer. Above photograph copyright of Tetsuya Ito.
At the end, this unisex of kind raises a feeling of preciousness and banality at the same time. Above photograph copyright of Tetsuya Ito.
Above: photograph copyright Tetsuya Ito.