Modernism Reflecting Eternity

NAUT began its activities in Nagoya in 2000 with the concepts of "minimal" and "standard." This furniture label, with its forms that seem to pursue the very essence of furniture and its designs that leverage the rich texture of wood, has many fans even in Tokyo.

The word that inspired NAUT's name is "NAUGHT," meaning "zero." Zero is the origin from which all things are born, a primordial word signifying the beginning of everything. It also evokes the teachings of the Bauhaus, which laid the foundation for modern design. The Bauhaus pursued a zero point of design, a reconstruction after a pause in the history of design up to that point.

NAUT's furniture is made from natural solid wood. Out of consideration for nature, the wood itself is cherished, and minimal furniture is created with no waste, utilizing the wood's natural form to minimize offcuts. There is a saying, "Form follows function," and furniture that considers the space it inhabits can only be beautiful.

The uncompromising focus on solid wood results in pure forms close to the archetype of furniture, highlighting the material's inherent qualities. Since furniture is intimately connected to daily life, the environment in which it is made is directly reflected in its existence. Therefore, what is needed for the lifestyle and climate of this country is unique to this country. Compared to Nordic furniture and tools, consideration must be given to adapting to the climate and lifestyle of this country in terms of material characteristics and processing. This is also entrusted to the existence of the craftspeople who finish it, connecting to the joy of living through their livelihood.

NAUT's concept of "using materials without waste" extends beyond functionalism and rationalism, connecting closely to highly contemporary issues. It has also succeeded in imbuing furniture with a universal and standard value that transcends regionality. In an era that often prioritizes ornamentation, this is undoubtedly a meaningful endeavor to re-examine the humanity that modernism should have originally possessed, from the perspective of the inherent value of objects.

Honoring the material's essence is a fitting phrase to describe NAUT's approach to craftsmanship. Designs that are sought after in any era are likely those that embody such unadorned clarity.