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This is the story of Japanese Craftsmanship Spirits:
Kyo-sensu (Kyoto Folding Fan)

Source: WDH Co.,Ltd

A “Kyo-sensu” refers to a fan produced in Japan which all the structured parts are finished exclusively in the Kyoto and Shiga prefectures. It is one of the Japan Traditional Crafts designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. It combines sophisticated handicrafts with materials which are thoroughly inspected and takes about 88 processes to complete one piece of fan. The manufacturing process is divided into small divisions and each division consists of specialized sections such as fan bone, ground paper, decoration, folding, and finishing processing.

The history of Kyo-sensu dates back to the early Heian period (794-1185). Decorating the surface with a sheet of paper and drawing pictures on it became popular among the ladies of the court. In the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the diversified fans were exported to China. Their style changed, as both sides of the fan were covered with paper. This style was then imported back to Japan during Muromachi period (1336-1573), establishing the basic form of Japanese fans. In the late Edo period (1603-1868), fan-crafting became Kyoto’s major industry and was exported to India and Europe.

In addition to being used in traditional ways for ceremonies and cultures, Kyoto folding fans continue to evolve with new materials and collaboration among young artists and designers. Their contemporary design is well received by the younger generations with their new style.

Product: Roundish Chair

Three years after the HIROSHIMA Armchair made its sensational debut on the global market, Maruni and Naoto Fukasawa faced a new challenge. They tried to create a chair that was as comfortable to sit on as the HIROSHIMA Armchair, but lighter and more affordable. Creating a chair with such function, beauty and price was no easy task. Nevertheless, using a molded plywood technique enabled the development of such a chair.
The Roundish Chair’s charm is unassuming, yet detailed. The meticulously calculated, gradual radius angles of the back, round contouring of the chamfer which requires delicate hand craft techniques, and three dimensional manufacturing of the leg joints, are a few of its features.

As the name Roundish Chair suggests, the curved backrest is a distinct feature of this chair. The seat is also wide, curved and has a light incline toward its back. Naoto Fukasawa was surprised to sit on the Roundish Chair as it was more comfortable than he had assumed it would be. With the curved backrest gently wrapping the back of the person sitting in the chair, and the incline at the front of the seat holding the thighs, it is similar to being held by a mother. It was natural for Fukasawa to choose Roundish Chairs in the meeting room of his office.

Announcement

The 2020 edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano has been suspended. The event will now take place from 13th to 18th April 2021.

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