The Culmination of a New Challenge in Color with Infinite Possibilities

"Beautiful furniture is functional design, simply expressed, bringing comfort to people and spaces."—Guided by this philosophy, "USM Modular Furniture" was born in the 1960s, based on the steel frame modular architectural system developed by architect Fritz Haller. Comprising just three basic components—tubes, balls, and panels—its simple structure allows for designs of various sizes and shapes, adaptable to any space or purpose, be it a living room, dining room, kitchen, children's room, or library.

Another notable feature is its rich color palette. The panels for the "USM Haller" cabinet type are available in 14 colors. This system furniture, with its meticulous attention to simple functionality and color, has garnered global acclaim, including its inclusion in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.


This anniversary program, "USM Color Renaissance," held at the Tokyo Marunouchi showroom, represents USM's "new challenge in color with infinite possibilities." By creating displays that evoke the beauty of Japan through seasonal arrangements, the brand re-examines color, a crucial element of its furniture.

This year-long project commenced in March. Under the direction of "Maruwakaya," which interprets traditional culture for contemporary times,Spring,Summer,Autumn, this winter display marks the fourth and final installment, serving as the culmination of the year's efforts.

The theme for this season is "Winter Scenery." The "USM Haller" units retain the checkered pattern inspired by the Shoin-zukuri style of the Katsura Imperial Villa's tea house, Shōkintō, but are now presented in anthracite and matte silver. Behind the monochrome cabinets, evoking a scene of gently falling snow, fabrics dyed in monochrome by "Some-dori Yoshioka" appear to drift.

This atmosphere conveys a reverence for the ancestors who discovered the diverse colors within winter's monochromatic palette, much like the vibrant hues of spring, summer, and autumn. It offers an opportunity to fully appreciate the depth hidden within shades of white, gray, and black.


Maruwakaya
Based in Japan and France, Maruwakaya precisely captures the essential and absolute beauty inherent in traditional crafts, finding infinite possibilities in innovative initiatives across a wide spectrum from traditional crafts to cutting-edge industries. They aim to bring surprise and joy to contemporary life. They opened "NAKANIWA" in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris, for exhibiting and selling exquisite Japanese goods. They have also launched an overseas project for Arita ware, which will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2016.
www.maru-waka.com

Some-dori Yoshioka
In Japan, about 1200 years ago, the phrase "fitting for the season" was a compliment.
A person who could express the changing seasons through layers of color worn was considered cultured and stylish.
The changing colors of autumn leaves, from vibrant green to early red, full crimson, yellow, and finally falling leaves, were captured and utilized with great sensitivity. After the leaves fall, a season of no color arrives, with low clouds shrouding the mountain ridges and snow beginning to fall.
Our work, creating colors from plants, honors the past, yet it is constantly renewed by encounters with the new. We are delighted that this updated aesthetic, transmitted to people today, allows them to feel the seasons and adds color to their lives.
www.sachio-yoshioka.com

Kamide Choemon Kiln
Founded in 1879 in Terai Village, Ishikawa Prefecture (now Terai-cho, Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture). For 135 years since then, we have meticulously preserved the traditions of our predecessors through time-honored handcraftsmanship, creating everything from daily tableware to tea ceremony ceramics, one piece at a time.
www.choemon.com