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.

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.