Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection

Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection
Ceramic vessels
(Image credit: Kaneko Kohyo)

The Sebastian Conran x Gifu collection proves that a marriage of differences often breeds beauty. Since the 1980s, the London-based Conran has produced sleek, modern designs celebrated for their mechanical innovation. The work of Gifu’s craftsmen, on the other hand, is steeped in tradition; for more than a millennium, artisans from the Japanese city have handcrafted designs reflecting traditional values and timeless aesthetics. This year’s Maison et Objet show saw the debut from this unlikely collaboration, and the display proved to be as enthralling as it was surprising.

Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection

Lighting

(Image credit: Ozeki)

The project began two years ago, when Sebastian Conran's studio joined ten specialist artisans based in Gifu to create more than 50 new household items. The end result is a collection that includes lighting, ceramics, stationery and kitchen tools made from classic Japanese materials like cypress wood, porcelain and handmade paper. Items like the Kai cutlery use ancient swordsmithing techniques to design stainless-steel scissor blades and cheese graters that would look sharp in any modern kitchen. Similarly, Kaneko Kohyo ceramics evoke the delicate look of paper lanterns while maintaining their function as durable pitchers and nut bowls.

Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection

(Image credit: Kai)

Scissors and cheese graters


Each item in the Gifu collection evidences a striking mix of old and new, East and West, orthodox and unconventional. The traditional methods of Gifu’s craftsmen, combined with Conran’s contemporary edge, have created a remarkable new collection that is sure to please with its timeless look, and satisfy with its everyday utility.

Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection

Furniture

(Image credit: Hida Sangyo)

Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection

Lanterns 

(Image credit: Asano Shoten)

Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection

Tableware

(Image credit: Jyusengama)

Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection

Stationary 

(Image credit: Kaminoshigoto)

Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection

Ceramics

(Image credit: Oda Pottery)

Sebastian Conran joins forces with Japanese craftsmen on a new homeware collection

Knives 

(Image credit: Shizu Hamono)

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Sebastian Conran website

Writer and Wallpaper* Contributing Editor

Mary Cleary is a writer based in London and New York. Previously beauty & grooming editor at Wallpaper*, she is now a contributing editor, alongside writing for various publications on all aspects of culture.