Art of Japan

Japanese design is revered the world over for its craftsmanship: see how that translates to ironmongery at Studio Franchi. The hardware showroom has added a brand to its portfolio that is new to the UK: Elmes Artware’s products are crafted in Japan, and uses Japanese manufacturing techniques, incorporating compressed wood, leather, aluminium and brass.

The brand has collaborated with leading architects and designers such as Shigeru Ban and Kengo Kuma to create its collections, while other pieces demonstrate a palpable Japanese influence – in hammered cast iron that echoes the finish of a traditional teapot, for example, or cleverly incorporating the beautiful patterned remnants of kimono fabric.

Sushi and sake tasting accompanied the launch in the showroom at Focus/22, in the company of Ippei Tanaka, Elmes Artware’s global director.

Studio Franchi, Ground Floor, Design Centre North