[JOTARO×SHOWKO/Aura] flower cube (made to order)

Work description

JOTARO SAITO is a Kyoto-based kimono designer who continues to advocate a "Japanese lifestyle". Mr. SHOWKO, also in Kyoto, continues to pursue the possibilities of pottery and continues to be active in various fields. When two talents meet and collaborate, a completely new piece of work has been born, one that has never been seen before, while still continuing the tradition. That is the "Aura" series.

Aura means "wind" in Latin, and the three works released this time - Flower cube, Rock glass, and Board plate - are based on the theme of Polaris, which has always been a source of support for people, and each one has a refreshing feel that feels like it is blowing through the wind. Like a new breeze, it will add an accent to your lifestyle.

Aura's Flower cube has a cube block type shape, which is unusual for ceramics, based on Mr. JOTARO's idea. In addition, SHOWKO created an accent by slightly offsetting the opening of the flower, rather than centering it, creating a flower vase that has never been seen before.

On each side of the cube block, JOTARO's signature striped buttons are elegantly and dynamically painted in gold, and SHOWKO's specialty "white mori" technique brings out the striped buttons. On one side, striped buttons are painted all over, and on another side, the Big Dipper is drawn in glossy red and appears to float in the sky and complement the striped buttons. You can enjoy a completely different view of the pottery no matter which way you look at it, so it's a fun time to think about the flowers you can arrange and the surface that will suit the space in which it will be placed.

The Big Dipper is depicted on the flower cube, but Polaris, which can be found from the Big Dipper in the night sky, is not depicted. However, since ancient times, the North Star has been valued by people as an immovable guideline, something that can't be seen but is definitely there. By thinking about and contemplating your own "Polaris" in a space with a flower cube, you may experience some changes in your life.

The beautiful original patterns used in JOTARO's ``kimono'' have been made into three-dimensional form from the point of view of SHOWKO's ceramic maker, and the Flower cube is a fusion of the sublimated sensibilities of top creators. By arranging or combining them with works from other Aura series, you can enjoy creating more space. What kind of scene do you go through?

*The deadline for online pre-orders is Sunday, June 30, 2024. If you apply by this date, your order will be delivered to your home by around September 2024.

*As a bonus for ordering online, if you apply by Sunday, June 30, 2024, you will receive a tote bag with the original "JOTARO x SHOWKO/Aura" logo when the product is delivered.

JOTARO SAITO (Kimono Designer)

Born in Kyoto. Born into a family that laid the foundation for modern dyeing artists, with her grandfather being the late dyer Saisaburo Saito and her father being contemporary kimono artist Sansai Saito. Since making her debut as the youngest kimono artist at the age of 27, she has pursued kimonos as fashion that matches modern spaces. He has been frequently introduced in the media, and has provided costume assistance for various productions, such as being in charge of the costumes for GACKT and Taichi Saotome's starring roles. Overseas, exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum "Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk". It is now part of the permanent collection and is receiving increasing international acclaim. Since 2010, we have participated in the Tokyo Collection every year as the only kimono brand. Currently, we have a flagship store with a cafe in GINZA SIX and a store in Matsuzakaya, Nagoya. Advocating ``the evolution of tradition'' and ``a lifestyle that enjoys harmony,'' he is expanding his activities into a wide range of fields, including the production of products and interiors, as a kimono designer and textile artist.

SHOWKO ( organized by ceramic artist SIONE )

Born in Makuzuyaki, a tea pottery pottery that has been in operation for 330 years. After training in pottery in Saga, he established his own studio in Kyoto and began producing ceramic board paintings using unique techniques. After gaining experience as a graphic designer, in 2009 he launched SIONE, a brand with a story behind the concept of reading devices. Currently, they have a directly managed store in the Ginkakuji area of ​​Kyoto. His books on the theme of the five senses, such as ``The Habits of Sensitive People,'' have become long sellers, and he is also active as a writer. Through his creations, he creates time and spaces of hospitality and holds exhibitions both domestically and internationally.

Detailed explanation