tokujin yoshioka fountain table collection for glas italia

japanese designer tokujin yoshioka has presented during milan design week a collection of round low tables wisely-named ‘fountain’ for glas italia. the precious and poetic crystal clear pieces have resulted from the intersection of murano’s glass craftsmanship and other industrial process. with the idea of reproducing the poetry of water flowing from a spring, the tables showcase changing rivulets and glittering sparkles that freeze a moment in time.

tokujin yoshioka presented his ‘fountain’ for glas italia at issey miyake’s flagship store in milan
image © designboom

the manufacturing process of tokujin yoshioka’s ‘fountain’ for glas italia starts with a disc-shaped sheet of glass which is later on transformed into a three dimensional vase giving a structure to a mass of glass. ‘this process creates a form of unexpectedness, and gives expressions to manufactured products different one by one,’ says yoshioka. ‘it expresses water flow reborn as a fountain and for the form only uncontrolled nature can create.’ the vase shape is topped with another glass surface that fits the opening in an imperfect yet quite accurate way. this lid can be taken on and off, allowing the table to filled, suggesting storage.

the collection showcases a blend between craftsmanship and industrial processes
image © designboom

set within issey miyake’s flagship store — also designed by tokujin yoshioka — in milan, the installation where ‘fountain’ was presented showcased not only the pieces but also part of the process. the moulds used to create the ‘fountain collection’ were exhibited next to a video revealing the creation method. this later one shows the craftsmanship behind the collection that, although simple in color and shape, glistens through the light.

the concept of the design was to recreate the way water falls down in fountains