This is The National Art Centre in Tokyo.
A stunning new building, but probably the most expensive use of furniture I have ever seen in a public space.
A buss load of pensioners had just pitched up on the day so the museum started to look like a very stylish old folks home.
<img class="wpforo-default
I had a chance to visit a...
I had a chance to visit a few dealers shops in Tokyo. Their inventory is of a very high standard. I know they have the additional expense of shipping but their prices are very steep.
What interested me was everything had been cleaned to the point where it had been completely refinished and looked like a new piece of furniture. The Japanese won`t tolorate any blemishes, regardles if it is a vintage piece.
Interesting to hear you sell alot to the Japanese Robert. My wife is from Tokyo so it is something I keep at the back of my mind for the future. I still havn`t put two and two together and figured out who you are dealer wise Robert, please feel free to introduce youself if you like, mcminteriors at yahoo dot co dot uk
Beautiful. The two worlds go...
Beautiful. The two worlds go lovely together.
However, I am curious as to why the Japanese tend to refurbish their vintage goods. Not very Wabi Sabi.*
* Wabi-sabi (侘寂?) represents a comprehensive Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience. The phrase comes from the two words wabi and sabi. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete".
Wabi Sabi...
I've always had a deep appreciation of this view of the world. I have a delightful book called Wabi-Sabi about a little cat that goes on a quest to understand the meaning of her name. It's accompanied by Haikus written by the master Basho. The illustrations are made from torn paper and natural objects, it's really an amazing work of art.
Years ago, when I was first discovering modernism I went to an exhibit at the Peabody Museum that combined Shaker and Japanese furniture from the same period in history. It was amazing to see these two utterly different cultures produce such similar aesthetics and evoke such modern forms. I loved it; I can still see it all clearly in my mind's eye.
http://www.amazon.com/Wabi-Sabi-Mark-Reibstein/dp/0316118257
Nice museum
I went to this museum a couple of years ago and was astonished. I've never seen so many Swan and Egg chairs in my life. The restaurant is furnished with Series 7 chairs. Amazing place. The art is good too. 🙂
Olive, we have this book for our daughter (half-Japanese). Can't wait to read it to her but we have to wait until she quits trying to eat it. 🙂
fm
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com