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Objects Inspired by Japanese Tradition for the Modern Nomad

01.17.17 | By
Objects Inspired by Japanese Tradition for the Modern Nomad

Besides taking care of our basic needs, like eating and sleeping, our homes are where we pause and reconnect with ourselves far away from the outside world and everyday life. We live our lives traveling from one place to another, from home to work and other various outings, and back again, giving way to a more nomadic lifestyle. Gerardo Osio created a series of transportable objects that were inspired by Japanese culture and traditional crafts designed to be taken from place to place, as a way of always having something familiar with you.

The project looks at Japanese culture, particularly their most popular religions Buddhism and Shinto, and how they’re able to live simply with a focus on well-being and mindfulness. Osio wanted to bring that to modern lifestyles as a way to remind us of home. Over time, the objects will age and begin to tell a story as time passes by and will create a sense of belonging. Each handmade object was made from natural materials, like copper, wood, leather, straw, cotton, and stone, and were created in collaboration with six different Japanese traditional craft workshops by craftsmen in Kyoto, Fukui, and Okayama.

Nomadic Life includes: Hako (wooden box), Goza (tatami mat), Zafu (Japanese cushion, copper tableware, Kami (candleholder and flower vase), and the box’s lid which doubles as a tray.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.