NEWS

Translated By DeepL

Gifu's craftsmanship is attracting renewed attention. Collaboration with Sebastian Conran brings Japan's proud traditional crafts to the world.

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The Paris Collection is the most important event in the fashion scene. The Maison & Objet, held twice a year in Paris, France, in January and September, is the "Paris Collection" of the interior design industry.

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The gathering is for all aspects of interior design, including furniture, décor, and tableware. Since the season's trends are decided here, it is known that people concerned gather from all over the world. Moreover, in recent years, the Paris Men's Fashion Week is held at the same time as the Paris Men's Fashion Week, so the number of visitors from the fashion industry has been increasing, and the level of attention has been rising even more. It can be said that this is the pinnacle of trade fairs, where exhibiting is itself linked to world-class recognition.

Gifu Prefecture, blessed with rich forests and beautiful clear streams, is home to a variety of traditional industries nurtured by these clear streams, and this was the first time Gifu exhibited at such an exhibition. The collection unveiled at the exhibition was a collaboration with Sebastian Conran, a world-renowned designer.

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The collaboration between "Gifu" and "Conran," two seemingly unconnected entities, was made possible by Mr. Sebastian Conran's respect for and sense of urgency about traditional craftsmanship. Mr. Conran made the following comments on the occasion of his participation in this exhibition.

Traditional craftsmanship is disappearing all over the world. Much of this may be due to labor costs or a change in consumer values toward handmade products. We are convinced that Japanese craftsmanship has a high potential that is comparable to European luxury brands. Working with 10 companies in the historic Gifu Prefecture, I have created a world-class collection that is contemporary in design and highlighted by traditional techniques. This is one of the most exciting projects I have worked on, and I hope it will help revitalize Japanese craftsmanship and reaffirm the value of handmade crafts."

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The Gif Collection, which was presented this time, includes 37 products created in collaboration with 10 companies that specialize in this field. The collection is too good to be summarized as a fusion of traditional Japanese technology and contemporary design, so we will introduce all of them here.

01Asano Shoten

Sebastian Conran x Asano Shoten] Kinka Lamp

Kinka Lamps are handcrafted using Obon Chochin technology. Battery-powered LED chochin are safer than traditional candle-type chochin and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Hida Sangyo 1

Sebastian Conran x Hida Sangyo] Dining table, dining chairs

Hida Sangyo 2

Sebastian Conran x Hida Sangyo〉Workstation, task chair

The furniture is made of red oak using traditional woodworking techniques from the Hida Takayama region. The dining table and dining chairs, and the workstation and task chair, respectively, are designed to reflect solely Japanese culture while actively incorporating modern technology.

01Jyusengama

Sebastian Conran x Jusen Kiln] Crystaline Mug

Crystaline mugs feature a colorful crystalline glaze that creates a delicate pattern on the surface of the pottery, as if a flower has bloomed. The nature of the glaze creates a random look that no two pieces are alike. Also included is a Masu, which can be used as a coaster or lid, in the hopes that people will enjoy using the cypress Masu in a new way.

01Kaneko Kohyo

Sebastian Conran x Kaneko Kohye Pottery] Serveware (pitcher, milk jug, carafe, nut bowl)

The sculptural shapes of the serveware are designed in sizes used in Europe and the United States to suit both classic and modern food and drink. The playful design and tactile quality of the pieces are filled with the essence of Japanese ceramics, which have been loved around the world for centuries.

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Sebastian Conran x KAI Industries] Steel Collection (Twin Face Greater, Universal Scissors)

KAI Industries, a company that has inherited the tradition and culture of Japanese swordsmithing and whose products are loved around the world, has created a two-sided grater and scissors. The former is inspired by armor, and the latter by a dagger and scabbard, creating a unique and sophisticated look.

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Sebastian Conran x Ieda Paper Works〉Oboer stationery (notebooks (large and small), origami gift cards, letter sets)

The name of this notebook, which you want to carry with you always, is "Oboeru Stationery" so that you can immediately jot down whatever comes to your mind. The notebooks are made of Mino Japanese paper and screen-printed using traditional bookbinding techniques and foil stamping. The type with Japanese characters on the cover was especially well received by foreign buyers.

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Sebastian Conran x Oda Ceramics Hikari Collection (dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, cereal bowls, cups)

The high-quality white vessels have a transparent pattern created on the surface by varying the thickness of the material, emphasizing texture and shading. Its pleated pattern is reminiscent of a fan or a lantern.

01Ohashi Ryoki

Hinoki Storage Collection (knife stand, utensil stand, tabletop small box, tabletop tool box, storage box, tray)

This storage box design was inspired by the history of Masu, a type of wooden box made using Japanese Kumiki (braided wood) techniques. In addition to its wide variety of uses in the kitchen, office, and many other places, it is also stackable.

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Sebastian Conran x Ozeki Aero Collection (floor lamps (large and small), pendant lamps)

The design source is the lightweight structure of early hot air balloons and airplanes. The lighting fixtures, which can be placed on the floor or hung, match any space. Each shade is carefully handcrafted from Japanese paper made from kozo (paper mulberry) and bamboo strips, and is combined with a frame made from Nagara cedar.

01Shizo Hamono

Kitchen Knife Collection (6-piece kitchen knife set, steak knife set)

Among Japanese kitchen knives used by top chefs around the world, those produced in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, are especially famous. The top-quality stainless steel blades are strong and corrosion-resistant, and the angled wooden handles, designed with origami-inspiration, fit comfortably in the hand.

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Traditional Japanese crafts that are often overlooked, especially by the younger generation, can be made to feel fresh and familiar with just a little bit of modern essence, and as a result, the local region is put in the spotlight. I believe I have seen the essence of collaboration here, which is more than just creating a buzz.

Text_HOUYHNHNM


Overseas Strategy Promotion Office, Overseas Strategy Promotion Section, Tourism Planning Division, Commerce, Industry and Labor Department, Gifu Prefecture
Phone: 058-272-8090

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