A collective of six international designers has embarked on an innovative project in Japan, reimagining Yoshino cedarwood into a range of new objects. This initiative, titled 'A Tree', delves into the technical, functional, and mystical aspects of this ancient forest material, culminating in an exhibition in Tokyo. The designers' creations, from chairs to benches, are strategically placed in public areas to foster greater interaction between urban dwellers and nature-inspired art, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design while addressing the future of forestry.
The project brought together designers Siin Siin from Japan, South Korean studio Kuo Duo, Fabien Cappello from Mexico, and London-based talents Rio Kobayashi, Max Lamb, and Faye Toogood. Their journey began deep within the Yoshino forests in Nara Prefecture, a region steeped in centuries of forestry heritage. Here, they immersed themselves in the local communities, exploring traditional cultivation techniques and making practices. Each designer was tasked with transforming a single cedar tree, reflecting their unique artistic vision and respect for the material's inherent qualities.
Keisuke Nakamura, an architect from Daikei Mills and the project's lead, shared his insights on the endeavor. He noted that his previous work in the Yoshino region three years prior had deepened his understanding of Yoshino cedar and the pressing issues within the forestry industry. This experience ignited a sense of responsibility to contribute as a creator. Nakamura emphasized that the chosen designers all shared a profound dedication to exploring materials, valuing the creative process, and respecting every individual involved in the project, thus forming a cohesive and passionate team.
For over 500 years, Yoshino cedar, or Yoshino sugi, has been revered in Japan as a symbol of superior wood craftsmanship. Its exceptional quality has made it a cornerstone in the construction of temples, shrines, and homes, as well as in the creation of traditional items like sake barrels and bathtubs. The wood's meticulous cultivation through ancient methods results in a straight grain, minimal knots, remarkable lightness, and a distinctive fresh aroma, making it highly sought after by architects, designers, and artisans alike.
Max Lamb's series, 'Cedar is a Soft Wood,' was inspired by his observation of a craftsman and his bandsaw at work in the forest. This encounter led Lamb to explore the boundaries of what a single artisan could achieve with simple tools and raw wood. Faye Toogood, on the other hand, drew inspiration from the forest's spiritual essence and Japan's deep reverence for the natural world. Her collection, 'Five Spirits, One Sugi,' translates five animal spirits—The Deer, The Woodpecker, The Toad, The Fox, and The Bear—into playful, timeless seating sculptures, each carved from a single 25-meter-high cedar tree.
The 'A Tree' collection also features works from the project's initial phase. Fabien Cappello's bench design encourages shared public seating experiences, drawing inspiration from common public spaces. Rio Kobayashi's 'Edisni tuo' series offers a unique cultural reinterpretation, blending Japanese and Western influences while incorporating elements like the tree bark and cut surfaces, which are typically discarded. Siin Siin's pieces explore the dialogue between material and technique, combining axe-split wood with stainless steel joints. Kuo Duo's 'Kiri Kabu' reinterprets tree stumps, showcasing the contrast between heartwood and sapwood through a nine-section puzzle that forms both a cylindrical base and structural elements. The project continues to evolve, with the current exhibition in Ginza Six running until autumn, and further developments anticipated in the coming year, underscoring the enduring connection between nature, craftsmanship, and artistic innovation.