“2016/” is a brand aimed to create an economic turnaround, by revitalising local production and opening up new markets of ceramic tableware and accessories created for the 400th anniversary of Arita porcelain. The brand brings together the century-old porcelain making expertise of 16 Arita manufacturers with the talents of 16 international designers. After 2 years of development, the 2016/ collections was launched at the Milan Design Week 2016.

2016/CK (As if), 2016/ Kinemon × Kueng Caputo, 2016, Plates, Bowls, Vases (Porcelain, Sprayed pigments)

Swiss design duo Kueng Caputo (Sarah Kueng and Lovis Caputo) based in Zurich is one of the team participate for the project. The standout characteristics of this series are the geometric forms sculpted by the craftsman and the use of an airbrush which harnessed a special technique to apply subtle gradations of colour to the pieces. This intentional application of graded colour by the craftsmen involved gives this collection its outstanding geometric appearance.

Hollow (Prototype), Suwada Blacksmith Works × BIG-GAME, 2018, Cooking Knives (Stainless steel)
Photo: Sohei Oya, Nacasa & Partners Inc. © Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Blacksmithing has prospered in the Tsubame Sanjo region of the Niigata Prefecture ever since Japanese nail production began there during the Edo period. Suwada Blacksmith Works is a company whose nail clippers are currently enjoying overwhelming popularity worldwide. For this project for the Japan Creative” initiative, BIG-GAME, a studio based in Lausanne proposed Suwada to produce their first-ever kitchen knives. With their form, function, and perfect workmanship, the knives reflect the tradition of the Tsubame Sanjo area.

Wajima series, Shioyasu Urushi Ware Company × Dimitri Baehler, 2019, Cases, Vases, Trays (3D print, Urushi)
Photo：Kenta Hasegawa

Wajima is a town in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, famous for its centuries-old Urushi lacquerware production. “Wajima series” is a collection that conceptually and tangibly play with the convergence between tradition and new technology. Dimitri Baehler based in Biel/Bienne used experimental 3D-printed resin and ceramic, and explored traditional and natural coloured Urishi to create objects that straddle tradition and innovation.

This exhibition is an initiative of the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, and part of the Embassy’s campaign, “Doors to Switzerland”, on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During Tokyo 2020, House of Switzerland will open its doors in this exhibit space.

Participate designers: atelier oï, BIG-GAME, Carlo Clopath, Colin Schaelli, Dimitri Baehler, Fabrice Aeberhard, Kueng Caputo, Loris Gomboso, Lucien Gumy, Lukas Streit, Max Bill, Moritz Schlatter, Philippe Cuendet

Swiss Design / Made in Japan
Date: October 15th – 22nd, 2019
Place: B-SIDE
Address: 5-11-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Planning: Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
http://www.swiss-design-japan.jp