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NEWS

3.JUN.2024 

TOBIMATSU's lamps illuminate the 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen

JAPAN FORM presents, for the first time at the 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen, the works of Japanese porcelain artist Hirotaka Tobimatsu. Hirotaka Tobimatsu's "Vessel of Light" features meticulously crafted porcelain lampshades. These lampshades blend seamlessly into a room like alabaster when unlit and emit a soft, warm glow when lit. Originally from Saga, a historic center of porcelain production in Japan, and now based in Tokyo, Tobimatsu draws inspiration from Western milk glass lampshades of the 1920s, bridging traditions in his craft. Combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, these sophisticated lampshades bring elegance and poetry to any space, private or public, creating a serene and welcoming ambiance. The collection comprises 32 intricately designed and customizable models. During the exhibition, 20 models will be featured inside a historic 1600s building in the heart of Copenhagen. Experience their unique forms, textures, and delicate play of light firsthand. 12th - 14th June 2024 10:00 - 18:00 Lapidarium Of Kings, Frederiksholms Kanal 29, 1220 Copenhagen

30.JAN.2024 

TOBIMATSU TOKI, the Japanese porcelain lamp, lights up for the first time in Europe in collaboration with Gärsnäs

During Stockholm Design Week JAPAN FORM presents, for the first time in Europe, the works of Japanese porcelain artist Hirotaka Tobimatsu at the House of Gärsnäs, in collaboration with Gärsnäs furniture. Tobimatsu has established a distinctive style and body of work in porcelain lighting, gaining significant attention as one of today's noteworthy artists in Japan. Working in a small studio in Tokyo, he uses techniques of casting and moulding, and through enhancing the translucent properties of porcelain, he has developed lampshades that emit a unique and delicate light. Inspired by the “milk glass lamps” that were widely used in Japan in the early 20th century, Tobimatsu seeks to honour cultural values while exploring suitable lighting solutions for modern living. Hironori Tsukue, founder of JAPAN FORM, says “Originally from Asia, porcelain spread to Western countries as a luxuryproduct. Here so-called milk glass came to be used as a substitute for the expensive white porcelain, and in the early 20th century, milk glass lampshades became popular in Japan too. It is this tradition that Tobimatsu brilliantly reinvents in his porcelain lampshades. Impressed by how his work and designs transcends eras and continents, I feel an urge to share them more widely, and I am truly honoured to be able to showcase these examples of fine Japanese craftsmanship in the historic architectural space of House of Gärsnäs, alongside the Gärsnäs designs that I greatly admire.” During the exhibition, more than 30 models will be featured for the first time in Europe. Experience their unique forms, textures and delicate play of light firsthand at the House of Gärsnäs. 5th - 11th february, 2024 during Stockholm Design Week Måndag – fredag 9.00 – 18.00 Lördag 9.00 –17.00 Söndag 11.00–16.00 House of Gärsnäs showroom Svensksundsvägen 17 Skeppsholmen, 111 49 Stockholm

ABOUT US

ABOUT US

Bringing you function with quiet elegance.

JAPAN FORM presents carefully curated items of modern Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship, as seen through the lens of Hironori Tsukue. 

 

As our first product, we are delighted to present porcelain lampshades by the esteemed artist, Hirotaka Tobimatsu.

JAPAN FORM proudly serves as the exclusive European distributor of Tobimatsu's products. Each lampshade is meticulously handcrafted and made to order.

"After studying product design in Japan, my fascination with Nordic design led me to Sweden, where I immersed myself in interior and furniture design. My life and experiences in Sweden have provided me with a fresh perspective on Japan and a new appreciation for its culture. Simultaneously, I've discovered deep-seated similarities between Japan and Scandinavia. These include a sincere appreciation for objects of everyday use and their craftsmanship, a pursuit of comfort and beauty, and a commitment to creating objects of lasting value.  With this in mind, my aim is to promote creative Japanese craftsmanship and design for international lifestyles.

Hironori Tsukue

Founder 


A graduate of the Product Design Programme of Tokai University in Japan and MFA of HDK in Sweden, Hironori Tsukue has been exploring Nordic design for the past 30 years, as a photographer and designer of furniture and interiors based in Stockholm, Sweden. 

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