New at the Shop: Yota Kakuda Family Tree Tableware

It’s been quiet around here in terms of new product releases.  Sometimes there’s just a lull in things that inspire us…but then usually, there’s an explosion of new and exciting things – all at once!  It’s one of those times.  First up, is the Family Tree Tableware collection by Yota Kakuda.  These beautiful Zelkova wood tumbler and bowls were designed with the importance of family ties in mind. The characteristics are aligned with that of traditional Japanese tableware using Zelkova wood or “Keyaki”, and are handmade in Kiso, Nagano – an area deep with history for woodworking and traditional lacquerware (Urushi).  We’re selling them as Tumbler ($75), Bowl ($75) or set of each ($150).

If you haven’t heard of Yota Kakuda, it’s because he’s been quietly designing under such greats as Ross Lovegrove, Ron Arad and Shin and Tomoko Azumi since his graduation from Royal College of Art in London. He also worked as a product designer for Muji.  In 2011, Yota branched out on his own, and he’s part of a growing group of amazing, young Japanese product designers doing great things.

We’ve got more new lighting, coal, tableware and…(drum roll) the return of Place for Trace (now made in the USA!).  Stay Tuned