21 OCT, 2020

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JAPANESE

TEN TEN TEN...
 

Gwenael Nicolas /CURIOSITY produced the new product collection, TEN TEN TEN..., which realizes his thoughts about”objects”. Imagine what if the objects we use every day, all have the same shape and purpose. The collection is a collaborative project that aims at creating an infinite number of products all with a single shape but all with different functions, different sizes, different materials. All objects surrounding us are in different shapes as the result of cultural, historical or functional requirements. The idea of the collection is based on a constant desire in Nicolas’s work to remove the cultural and traditional aspect of objects to reveal the real quality of the making and the talent of the craftsmanship. This creates borderless objects that can be apprehended in a new way without preconceived ideas. It also questions the typologies of the objects that surround us everyday that we never challenge.

The iconic shape for TEN TEN TEN... collection is very simple: a cylindrical shape with a slight angle at 70 degrees. The fact to create those objects with an angle, designs an interaction with the users in a sort of pre-interaction and a visual connection, as per Nicolas’s thought. Objects are not just static and lifeless but can promote an attitude and presence even in a simple way.

In order to create the collection, we have collaborated with Hosoo, the famous fabric maker in Kyoto, to build a team of the most talented artisans around Kyoto that cover different techniques and finishes. As a designer, Nicolas only requested the artisans and companies to create specific products, all with the same shape, with their know-how and techniques. It is surprising that all of them decided to play the game, which realized this amazing collection. So far, 12 products have been produced, and our idea is to extend more products and expand the collaboration with various companies and artisans.



 

The unique bag is made by Hosoo, a long-established Nishijin-ori craft center in Kyoto. The tea set with the shape in the same angle will appear when you twist and open it. The hand-woven basket inside of this bag is made from traditional wire-netting craft, by Toru Tsuji/ Kanaami-Tsuji, with original techniques.

 

Traditional Japanese tea set including a pot and cups, created by Hosai Matsubayashi 16th, Master of Asahi-yaki, pottery technology with over 400 years history.


 

Tea canisters are created by KAIKADO, the oldest can maker in Japan.

 

Transparent glasses created by Satoshi Sato/ PONTE, a glassblowing artist in Gion, Kyoto


 

Traditional wooden barrel technology made a beautiful cooler without using nails. By Shuji Nakagawa


 

Master Keikou Nishimura 3rd created a beautiful box with traditional Japanese lacquerware, Urushi with unique color.

 

ARTISTS/ ARTISANS WHO PARTICIPATED IN TEN TEN TEN...

HOSOO

KANAAMI-TSUJI

HOSAI MATSUBAYASHI

KAIKADO

PONTE

NAKAGAWA MOKKOUGEI

KEIKOU NISHIMURA URUSHI ART STUDIO

PHOTO: MASAYUKI HAYASHI

CURIOSITY INC. COPYRIGHT 2020