nikki childhood

This collection was made from nikki trees (Japanese cinnamon) cut down in a satoyama in Wakayama, where the designer is based. The elderly people in the satoyama know exactly where nikki trees can be found because they used to chew on the roots of nikki tree as a snack when they were children. Based on their childhood memories, Isamu Hazama took on to make a series of small chairs that can be used by children. Nikki trees often attract bugs probably because of their fragrance. This tree, some parts were left in the mountain for some time, had been eaten by bugs and the surface had lost its original beauty. Also inspired by the charcoal-making techniques that remain in the satoyama, he carbonized all surfaces and extracted beauty of imperfection. The imperfect shapes and textures remind of a child, and the silhouettes of the shadow-like objects evoke signs of childhood.

designer
Isamu Hazama
year
2024
material
nikki