a cross cultural homage - north east west at fritz hansen

a cross cultural homage – north east west at fritz hansen
all images courtesy of fritz hansen

exhibited in the ‘capsule’ room at the fritz hansen flagship store in milan, ‘north east west’, designed by the italian-based tomoko mizu, is part of a display of artistic projects. the 12 pieces reflect a natural, floral theme and they pay homage to the series 7 chair – originally designed by arne jacobsen in 1955. the collection is interpreted by nordic tradition and japanese sensitivity, along with the undisputed quality of italian craftsmanship. this cross-cultural reference determined wood and nature as the main drivers for the exhibition.

‘there is a common feeling between scandinavian and japanese design: the love for nature, the respect for trees and flowers in their becoming during seasons,’ says the japanese designer tomoko mizu, ‘I wanted to add value to this undisputed design icon, taking inspiration from shapes and colors of nature: I designed elegant but delicate decorations that harmoniously fit in the chair.’

with a desire to preserve traditional italian craftsmanship instead of using technology, the furniture is made using natural materials and local, manual skills. crafted with the ancient technique of plating and inlay – tomoko consulted with two skilled workers at the ‘craftsmen confederation of lodi,’ a small town in lombardy region – davide bertoni, specialized in the plating technique, and enrico papetti, the inlay technique. the chairs are available in the finishes of maple, beech, ash, elm, oak, cherry, walnut and dark oak.

installation in the capsules part of the store fritz hansen