Enchanting Design Items for the Perfect Wabi Sabi Shelf
ByAmabelle ChandraImage courtesy of Pavel Zhuravlev
Wabi-sabi, a concept deeply rooted in Japanese philosophy and aesthetics, celebrates the beauty of imperfection and simplicity. This aesthetic embraces the idea that true beauty can be found in the natural cycles of growth, decay, and the passage of time. In the world of design, wabi-sabi encourages the creation of objects in raw, unpolished, and weathered qualities. In value of beauty in imperfection, let us appreciate the unique character and stories of objects that bear the marks of time and use.
The Artling has curated a collection to explore design objects that exemplify this enchanting aesthetic.
Discovering her desire to redefine the relationship with the body, Ludmilla Balkis has an unparalleled devotion to minimalism. Based in France, she searches for imperfection in nature. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese approach with the aesthetic of “Wabi-Sabi”, Balkis learns to embrace simplicity and irregularity. The Vessel series are beautiful triptych’s of ceramic sculptures exploring the subtle movement in clay offering a serene addition to your space.
Cylinder Container
Round Tall Vase - Black
Round Short Container - White
Round Tall Container - White
Founded by Varongkorn Tienaprmpool and Supattra Kreaksakul, PATAPiAN represents all types of weaving and freedom of materials. Based in Thailand, a country of local handicrafts, the design studio represents the local weaving scene. Introducing weaving to contemporary creations, PATAPiAN created A woman in Curve Table Lamp. A collection that portrays curves of classical architecture, application of wickerwork patterns, including thin bamboo-stripes, and metal threads, the collection reflects time and space. It captures the harmonious irregularities of nature, mirroring the wabi-sabi philosophy that values simplicity of the natural world.
“Less is more... However, I do like to make a statement from time to time.” - Françoise Jeffrey
Organic, serene, and imperfect, Françoise Jeffrey is inspired by the Japanese philosophy in his creations. Working intuitively, without a plan or a drawing, Jeffrey makes every shape based on feeling. The Modder series are unglazed stoneware and coil-built construction pieces which embody the essence of wabi-sabi, celebrating the organic, and imperfect in Jeffrey's craftsmanship.
Evgeniya Plotnikova of EVG.WORKS releases creative energy and explores her fascination with material. Having contemporary sensibility to design, her products are functional art. The FOLD series are vessels holding water and space. Creating new possibilities for arrangements, the sculptural vase arrests in motion. As these porcelain vessels are left unglazed and has gold buster accents, it embraces the captivating blend of wabi-sabi philosophy where each porcelain vessel's faults and natural rawness become a statement in your space.
“Our work follows a consistent conceptual path to capture, document and present a moment in time and place.” - Julie and Jesse
Julie & Jesse is an art and design studio in Hong Kong founded by the talented duo of designer Julie Progin and artist Jesse Mc Lin. Their most recent Fragment(s) the bottle collection are crafted from white biscuit porcelain, colored slip, and clear glaze, paying homage to the vanishing ceramic factories of Jingdezhen. Immerse yourself in the collection, where history, decay, and beauty ties together in celebration of uniqueness, reflecting the essence of wabi-sabi, and own a piece that tells a story.
Neoplatonic Solid
The Shapeless Shape
Triptych
Sphere
Crafting sculptures and objects from wood is Gabriel Tarmassi, an artist and designer based in Bamberg, Germany. Tarmassi's pieces reflect an abstract language influenced by nature's vast landscapes.Autonomous Body explores the interplay between the natural and artificial, using wood's characteristics, like cracks and grain as design elements. The design is reminiscent of an egg and symbolizes the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Tarmassi's art beautifully blurs the boundaries between nature and creativity, offering a sensory journey on imperfections and organic forms.
“It’s not the little things that we often overlook. But those that are most familiar to us.” - Lenny Stöpp
Finding solace amidst the chaos of production in Rotterdam is Lenny Stöpp. His ongoing collection, Cornice, consists of vessels crafted using acrylic as the primary material. Each piece is handmade, bearing the signature of patience and playful precision, resulting in variations of roughness. Embrace the rough edges that make each piece a different and appreciate the beauty found in life's overlooked details.
Walnut Moonjar
Black Star
Large Maple Bowl
Yew Hollowform with Natural Edge
Klaus Kirchner, based in Hanau, draws inspiration from the elegance of forms and graceful curves. Apple Hollowform is a hollowed out design from woodturning techniques. Crafted from the wood of an old apple tree toppled by a storm, the material was a challenge due to its rot, requiring careful attention. Working with the wet wood, the piece naturally dried over time to achieve its final shape. Experience the craftsmanship of form where the elegance of wabi-sabi is captured in a meticulously sanded and oiled masterpiece, and make it a part of your own appreciation for the natural world.
Browse through here to explore more designs with the wabi-sabi aesthetic!
Any views or opinions in the post are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the company or contributors.
