Calico Clothing Tray

By Ryosuke Harashima

This work is one of Ryosuke Harashima's furniture titled "STILLIFE."
It is made of antique tray painted by urushi and fabric.
Artist create renewed tray which is upholstered with fabric. This pattern was reached Japan in the 18th century from Jawa.
In old Japan, we were carrying clothes such as Kimono on tray. Originally this tray's purpose was for carrying clothes.

Artist statement regarding "STILLIFE"
Traditional Japanese folk tools and antiques that are considered “obsolete” in this day and age. However, we can feel and appreciate the passing of time through these old artifacts. I’m inspired by the‘spirits’ these old tools carry and try to bring about a change in attitude. Emphasizing the contrast between the old tools, characterized by their deep textures and atmospheres not present in mass-produced products, and modern industrial materials such as brass and glass. Brought together and combined in a classical yet sophisticated new form. By reinterpreting these “old tools” in a contemporary way, a change occurs that transforms the object into a “more attractive tool”.

This appreciation of old objects can also be found in the Japanese spiritual concept of the “TSUKUMO God”. The belief that after many years, tools transform into something that carries a spirit, attracts people and invokes creativity. Perhaps the antiquity in itself is beautiful enough, but by combining the old with the new, it could be thought that the objects are given a new, modern life. I try to inspire people to think about the meaning of sustainability and consumption society.