KAWARA OBJECTS
Originating from Kyoto, 'KYO-GAWARA' boasts a legacy spanning 1400 years. Dating back to the 6th to 7th century, the oldest roof tiles in Japan are believed to have originated from the founding of Asuka-dera Temple.
Kyoto tiles prominently feature in the scenic landscapes of Kyoto. Since the 16th century, accomplished tile artisans from across the nation have congregated in Higashiyama to build the Great Buddha Hall of Houkouji Temple. This tradition has endured to the present day. Kyoto-produced tiles undergo a meticulous process of polishing and smoking, resulting in a distinctive deep shine akin to metal, referred to as 'KYO-GAWARA'.
'KAWARA OBJECTS', meaning roof tiles in Japanese, encompass a variety of ceramic pieces developed at the historic workshop of KYOGAWARA Masahisa Asada, who is renowned for specializing in both tiles and traditional temple ornaments.
This project endeavors to translate centuries-old expertise into other interior applications and infuse this unique craftsmanship into modern products.
Collaborating with craftsmen, these three items were meticulously handcrafted using clay with various press molding and rolling techniques.
The table lamp features a hollow cylindrical base with two cutouts to house the light source, covered by a concave shade reminiscent of a roof tile.
The wall sconces were inspired by the eye detail of a sculpture found at the workshop, multiplied on a concave sheet of ceramic. Due to the piece's complexity, a three-part plaster mold was developed to ensure its demolding, which the artisan carefully filled in piece by piece, adding two hooks for wall mounting.
The final piece, a coffee table, comprises a base composed of four interconnected roof tiles and a flat ceramic disk.
All surfaces are meticulously polished before being fired for 35 hours in a controlled butane gas kiln, reaching a maximum temperature of 1150 degrees. As the temperature begins to drop; the smoking process starts, giving the pieces their characteristic metallic finish.
The chosen forms aim to accentuate the distinct materiality of ceramic and push the boundaries of the craftsmen's skill.
2024 // Available for edition.
This project was developed together with Ryosuke Fukusada in collaboration with KYOGAWARA Masahisa Asada.
Photos courtesy of Akihito Mori
CHIM CHIM COLOUR UPDATE
Two new colors and a surface finish have been introduced to update this range. OFF-WHITE and RED.
A lot of effort was placed to achieve the desired saturation on the RED color, offered now in a high gloss glaze and a terracotta color base.
The OFF-WHITE color aims to represent the purity of unglazed porcelane.
2023 // In collaboration with Ryosuke Fukusada. Produced by HAY
Photos courtesy of HAY
BARRO COLLECTION
Barro is a tableware collection that brings the warmth and beautiful simplicity of terracotta to the table. Meaning ‘red clay’ in Portuguese, Barro represents my appreciation of the traditions and uses associated with this ancient material. Crafted in Portugal from durable terracotta, the Barro Collection combines natural glazes and high-gloss colours that can be matched or mixed in innumerable personalised combinations.
Composed of 11 items in a mix of 6 colors, spaning from dining plates, serving dishes, salad bowls, mugs, a jug and a candle holder.
Barro is crafted in Portugal using handmade moulds – seen here, the mould being made for the Oval Dish Large.
Raw materials are extracted at the factory surroundings.
Left: Pressing process. Right: Oval trays waiting to be glazed.
The factory is equiped with a 6KM sealing hanging conveyor used to dry the pieces before first fire.
Left: Glazing process. Right: Backstamp.
Final sample review before starting production.
Final collection in use.
Find the collection´s Q&A in NEWS
2024 // Produced by HAY
Photos courtesy of HAY and Francisco Ascensão
CHIM CHIM 2.0
With the evocative shape of an archetypal wood-stove, CHIM CHIM invites for a moment of disconnection from our daily routines. Olfactory memory and fire fascination are intrinsically connected to our being. With this object we aim to engage the user in a ritual like moment, where all senses are activated.
Scent its also a very personal matter and can express ones personality. CHIM CHIM invites the user to mix and match oils, creating different atmosphere according to ones state of mind.
The two ceramic elements composing this box-like container veil the tea light candle, which crackles through a small window, without directly showing the fire source, consequently mimicking a small fireplace.
The same heat source enables the scented oil diffusion, previously allocated on the lid's top cavity. The use of colored porcelain, available in an array of bright and pastel tones, has been selected for its durability and heat resistance properties.
2016-2020 // In collaboration with Ryosuke Fukusada. Produced by HAY
Photos courtesy of HAY
ANZA
Meaning 'to sit at ease' in Japanese, ANZA is a seating collection composed of pouffes, benches and coffee tables. Inspired by the Japanese Zabuton style, the aim was to create a generous floating cushion, which allow for a dynamic seating. The soft outlines invites for a multitude of seating postures and are meant to create a warm atmosphere where various scenarios can unfold.
The upholstered items are available in a selected range of textiles and base finishes, including an high gloss lacquer inspired by the traditional Japanese Shikki technique and an oiled and black stained oak version.
To complete the seating range, a coffee table was designed with a similar base concept and a durable Carrara marble top.
For the launch, a very special textile called ´Tango Chirimen' has been developed with a Kyoto-based textile and silk screen manufacturer. This patchwork-like pattern, originally designed in the 18th century in Japan, was updated with a new colour scale to match the official PWTBS colours.
The below bench, upholstered with Re-Wool from Kvadrat, features a matte lacquered oak frame.
2018 // In collaboration with Ryosuke Fukusada. Produced by PLEASE WAIT to be SEATED Photos courtesy of PWtbS