JC16 NOUSAKU [tin] × Claesson, Koivisto, Rune
Distilling new found beauty of the material
Takaoka Copper marked its beginnings in 1611, when Toshinaga Maeda, lord of the Kaga Clan stationed seven “imoji”s(metalworkers) in Takaoka City (Toyama Prefecture). Since then, the techniques fostered during the copper making history in Takaoka has enabled craftwork indispensable in traditional Japanese culture, such as copper castings for statues and bells, buddhist alter fittings, tea ceremony items and flower vases. Nousaku has inherited these founding techniques and has actively developed them in order to produce a broad range of items that answer the user’s needs while adjusting them to match the modern day lifestyle. Using the environment that Nousaku has built, such as applying different techniques and material, managing both manual and machine work, developing an integrated system from planning to manufacture, they have expanded the possibilities of cast metal manufacturers. They are one of the pioneering manufacturers that indicate the future of Japanese traditional industries.
The swedish architecture/design office, [Claesson, Koivisto, Rune] joined us for this project. For the last 20 years, they have provided designs to many famous manufacturers and the originality and quality of their design is firmly acclaimed.
Eero Koivisto visited the Nousaku factory and among the materials that Nousaku use, he chose to use tin, focusing on its warm sheen and the subtle patina that the material obtains after being used for a considerable amount of time. He also took note of the [weight of the raw material.
Taking into account the presence of the object to both the eye and the hands and combining it with subtle elegance, they conceived the idea of a tableware that looks like a flower when all 6 plates are stacked.
Nousaku
Since their establishment in 1916, they have mainly produced items such as buddist alter fittings, tea ceremony utensils and vases. In recent years, they manufacture tableware and interior goods and are expanding their field, responding to various requests from architecture, art, fashion and even for medical instruments. While respecting the techniques given to them by their forerunners, their enthusiasm towards producing products that can create a new tradition has attracted attention within and out of Japan.
Claesson Koivisto, Rune
Established in Stockholm in 1995 by Mårten Claesson,Eero Koivisto and Ola Rune. Originally began as an architectural office, since then they have become a internationally acclaimed multi-disciplinary office with an equal emphasis on architecture and design. They have provided designs for more than 80 companies worldwide and has been awarded more than 60 awards.
Research & Development: Jin Kuramoto
Designer. Born in 1976 in Hyogo Prefecture.After graduating from Kanazawa College of Art, he worked as an in-house designer for a consumer electronics company. In 2008, he built his own studio, JIN KURAMOTO STUDIO designing products such as electronics, furniture, home furnishings, while he also works in product development. He as won various awards such as the iF Design Award.