A collection connecting Japan and Finland. The "Karolin" series by Tsunagu Nagasaka, now available in Japan

Artek

Launches August 23 at CIBONE Aoyama

In 2019, marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Finland, Artek unveiled the "FIN/JPN Friendship Collection" at Milan Design Week.

This series comprises seven products, born from collaborations with architects and designers, that carry forward the shared traditions and cultures of both nations, which have built diplomatic ties for a century. The "Karolin" series, one of these, will now be launched in Japan at the Artek FIN/JPN Friendship Collection held at CIBONE Aoyama.

Designed by architect and designer Tsunagu Nagasaka, this series is crafted using his unique method, "Karolin," which combines "Uzukuri" and "Tsugaru-nuri." For the Stool 60, 153 Bench, and 901 Tea Trolley, a soft pine veneer is used, and an "Uzukuri finish"—where the softer parts of the wood are scraped away—is applied. This technique emphasizes the wood grain's texture, creating a rich, shadowed expression.

Subsequently, applying the principles of Tsugaru-nuri, two layers of lacquer are applied, followed by sanding. This process reveals two colors emerging from the natural wood grain, with the resulting organic curves resembling a topographical map. The "Karolin" series is scheduled to be available on the Artek Webstore starting Friday, September 13.

Stool 60 Karolin
Price | ¥51,840

153B Bench Karolin
Price | ¥91,800

901 Tea Trolley Karolin
Price | ¥367,200

Artek FIN/JPN Friendship Collection
Dates | August 23 (Fri) – September 19 (Thu) Hours | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Venue | CIBONE Aoyama
Address | 2F Hulic Minami-Aoyama Building, 2-27-25 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Reception Party
Date | Friday, August 23, 2019
Time | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Guest Designers | Tsunagu Nagasaka, Akira Minagawa, Koichi Futatsumata

Inquiries regarding the exhibition
CIBONE Aoyama 03-3475-8017
https://www.cibone.com/news_exhibition/exhibition36/

Contact

Artek
0120-610-599
https://www.artek.fi/