Natur — Tokyo, Japan
Already celebrated in Japan for his contemporary floral arrangements, modern flower shops and popular cafes, Danish floral artist Nicolai Bergmann has now launched Natur, his first jewellery line.
Housed in a standalone store on a quiet lane in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, the space is as eye-catching as his nature-inspired collections of silver, gold and platinum jewellery. For starters, the angular building, which was constructed eight years ago by Japanese architects SANAA, is entirely encased in a minimal white metal mesh façade, with a concrete staircase leading to the entrance.
Secondly, the sunlit interiors, by Copenhagen-based firm OEO Studio, are a simple mix of concrete floors, glass walls and white spherical lights, by Italian maker Flos. There are splashes of warmth in the softly-curved slatted oak furniture and bespoke pedestals showcasing abstract floral arrangements – courtesy, no doubt, of the Nicolai Bergmann flagship store just opposite.
The jewellery itself is presented on individual porcelain displays, against a backdrop of silk and washi paper textiles handcrafted by generations-old Kyoto company Hosoo, inside OEO’s custom-made cabinets of ash and glass on powder-steel frames.
A white spiral staircase – cutting a neat circle into the concrete floor – links the building’s three levels, which are sparsely scattered with organically-curved furniture pieces in petal-like hues of rose, beige, white and green. Among them are OEO’s Coco chairs, low-lying Moon Tables by Space Copenhagen and a spherical Superloom lamp by Jasper Morrison.
Meanwhile, shoppers are able to sit down and try on jewellery pieces on the lower level, a white space with walls brightened by a series of graffiti-esque paintings in flower-like pastels by Danish artist Peter Bonde.
ADDRESS
5-5-20 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Danielle Demetriou is a British writer and editor who moved from London to Japan in 2007. She writes about design, architecture and culture (for newspapers, magazines and books) and lives in an old machiya townhouse in Kyoto.
Instagram - @danielleinjapan
-
Art, culture, watches & jewellery editor Hannah Silver’s gift guide
From a Beryl Cook cushion to an offbeat diamond ring, there's something for everyone on this Wallpaper* editor's gift guide, embracing art, culture and style
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Feldspar makes its mark on Mayfair with a festive pop-up at Corinthia Hotel
Devon-based bone china brand Feldspar makes its first foray into shopkeeping with a pop-up at London’s Corinthia Hotel. Ali Morris speaks with the founders and peeks inside
By Ali Morris Published
-
Dip into Wyld sauna: Liverpool's floating Finnish-style destination for lovers of extreme heat
Wyld sauna has opened in Liverpool, offering the perfect excuse to take a dive into the Nordic wellness tradition
By Emma O'Kelly Published
-
First look: Noma Kyoto returns and aims to ‘double-wow’ diners
Noma Kyoto opens on 8 October for a ten-week pop-up inside Ace Kyoto. Thomas Lykke, co-founder of OEO Studio, tells us of the interiors’ autumn-forest inspiration
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Kengo Kuma’s new Kyoto hotel is ‘a sanctuary of ethereal beauty’
A former ryokan inn, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto offers onsen rooms equipped with natural hot spring water, and a contemporary take on a Noh theatre
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
A minimalist teahouse makes a serene addition to a Tadao Ando-designed Kyoto hotel
Ogata at The Shinmonzen is a contemporary reinterpretation of a Japanese teahouse that sells traditional blends, confectionery, crafts and fragrances
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Tour the new Four Seasons Osaka, where time stands still
Set within a 49-storey tower, Four Seasons Osaka takes the traditional ryokan experience to new heights
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Aman Residences Tokyo float high above the Japanese capital
Aman Residences Tokyo, Aman Group’s first standalone branded residences, feature dramatic yet serene interiors by Yabu Pushelberg
By Dan Howarth Published
-
Step inside this rare Shiro Kuramata-designed cocktail bar in Japan
Shiro Kuramata designed hundreds of bars in his lifetime, but few remain intact. Now fans are making a pilgrimage to Comblé Bar in Shizuoka
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Take off with Wallpaper* June 2024: The Travel Issue
The Wallpaper* June 2024 Travel Issue is on sale now, ready to whisk you to the best of Ho Chi Minh City, Caracas’ modernist marvels, classy Canadian cabins, a Swiss sleep retreat, and more
By Bill Prince Published
-
Find yourself at Six Senses Kyoto, the brand's breathtaking Japan debut
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors boasting tranquil, luxurious interiors by Blink Design Group
By Danielle Demetriou Published