Masayuki Kajiwara
atelier oï
In this collection for the table, dedicated to purity of line and creative minimalism, design culture meets the sophisticated grace and refined know-how of the finest Japanese craftsmanship. atelier oï is one of the most important international design studios, founded in 1991 in La Neuveville, Switzerland, by Aurel Aebi, Armand Louis and Patrick Reymond. In 28 years of activity, the studio has tried to erase barriers between different disciplines, and to promote a more interconnected creativity. Architecture, design and scenography are intertwined in many of their most important projects. Transdisciplinary creativity, team spirit and an intuitive approach to different materials are key to its international success.
Between experimentation, cultural exchanges and events dedicated to their creations, they design for large companies: Alias, Artemide, B&B Italia, Bulgari, Foscarini, Louis Vuitton, Moroso, Nespresso, Parachilna, Passoni, Pringle of Scotland, Rimowa, USM, Zanotta and many others. Master Masayuki Kajiwara was born in Gifu, Japan and studied at Toyama City Institute of Glass Art. In 2009 he opened his own independent studio in Gifu. He took part in Milan Design Week in 2016, and in 2017 he opened Atelier Nagahama and its shop in Shiga. “There are very few artisans who create tableware with lampworked glass. I believe this material and this technique have the potential to enrich our lives,” says Kajiwara. As for the question of what he learned in this special creative exchange with atelier oï, the answer is simple and clear: “Never compromise. Never give up.”