Hashikura Matsukan Chopsticks by Nendo | Obama (Jap)

At IDMC° we enjoy the creative redesign of everyday objects and Hashikura Matsukan's chopstick set by Oki Sato of Nendo is no exception.

The town of Obama in Japan's Fukui Prefecture has traditionally manufactured lacquered chopsticks for four centuries and is globally recognised as producing the most beautiful and durable Japanese lacquer chopsticks since the 17th century. Using Obama’s traditional manufacturing techniques, Sato designed a collection of chopsticks that include the Rassen and Kamiai styles.

The Rassen is a chopstick design that combines the ordinary chopstick into a single unit. Separated into two for eating, the halves are re-joined into one when not in use. The Kamiai, on the other hand, is an embedded magnet in a square shaped chopstick positioned on the outside of each chopstick to ensure that the pieces don't come together accidently whilst eating.

Photography by Akihiro Yoshida.

Dante Shoe Horn by Brooklyn Museum | Aoyama, Tokyo (JPN)

Based in the Aoyama neighbourhood of Tokyo (Japan), Brooklyn Museum is predominately a leather accessories and stationary brand with a modest ethos that will not be influenced. Brooklyn Museum’s design approach is straightforward yet focused, their mission statement “What is a really good thing for people to use” sets out to not only deliver good design, colour and aesthetical appeal but focus is also directed towards ease of use and functionality. A proven track record of combining Japanese craftsmanship with years of experience is behind Brooklyn Museum, they continue to inherit technology without having to extinguish the goodness of handmade.

To use Brooklyn Museum goods regularly is at the forefront of their design; the Dante Shoe Horn being an example of their multi-task thinking. Handcrafted in Japan using French cowhide with contrast stitching, the shoe horn handle has five key clips allowing everyday use and offering convenience.

Available from Trunk Clothiers online and their London store on Chiltern Street.

Abacus Totem Key Holder by Postal Co | Tokyo (JAP)

With misplacing a set of keys being up the top of our ‘annoyance’ list, we look to Shibuya based creators Postal Co who have thoughtfully considered the trauma of lost keys and designed the Abacus Totem Key Holder. Having started in 2000, New York bag designer Mike Abelson noticed his wife Yuri, a graphic designer, was having difficulty carrying around A4 size papers. Mike crated an envelope-shaped case with a button closure for Yuri, a purposeful solution became a modest beginning for Postal Co. Now based in Shibuya (Toyko), Postal Co presents designs that are set apart due to their supreme utility and ineffable warmth with results in objects of use that own an understated beauty.

The Abacus Totem Key Holder (D: 2 x 0.5 x 0.5") is a prime example of simple problem solving, handcrafted in Japan and made from solid brass, it holds a selection of keys with a screw closed rod. Also available with a tall totem screw closure.

Available from PostalCo online and selected stockists.

Illustrated Maps by Masako Kubo | Tokyo (JAP)

Knowing us well means you understand our excitement for illustrated cartography. On a recent web wander we came across these beautifully hand drawn maps by Masako Kudo. Masako is a illustrator based in Tokyo (Japan) and having received a non-art related BA degree as well as worked for a Tokyo ad agency, Masako studied illustration at the University College Falmouth. Since then Masako illustrations has graced many publications such as the Wall Street Journal Magazine and national newspapers including The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and The Independent.

Masako certainly seem influenced by the original story telling style of traditional Japanese illustration, capturing your imagination and sense of exploration in the cities she draws. The use of subtle shading and a delicate colour palette makes Masako’s drawing easy on the eye while remaining helpful and offer a sense of Masako’s own taste in adventuring a new or familiar city.

'The Japan Series' by Andreas Gefeller | Düsseldorf (GER)

A key principle of art is the possibility of changing one’s view upon reality, to heighten awareness and broaden our perception of a supposedly understand reality. The photography in ‘The Japan Series’ by Düsseldorf-based photographer Andreas Gefeller certainly allows us to view his alternative vision on Japan’s urban infrastructure: the utility wire. With a humble yet stunning outcome, the striking abstract photographs of Japan’s digital assemblage, poles, innumerable cables and current transformers offer sophisticated order.

The monochrome background lets the eye focus on the acuity of lines that run, cross and inter-connect with other resulting in a fresh, clinical image. Certainly a new perspective, ‘The Japan Series’ is available at The Open Eye Gallery. For further information on the book by Andreas Gefeller and his other work explore his website.