A knockout in previous pop-ups, the mesmerising cedar chair made by Studio Jig in its signature ‘free form lamination’ technique makes a return to this year’s pop-up. Made from a single piece of unlaminated Yoshino cedar bark, this chair’s qualities of sensibility and lightness come from its elegantly curved shape and fine-grain wood.

What makes Yoshino cedar so special is how it’s grown. In the mountains of central Nara prefecture, you will find the densely planted human-made forest clusters of Yoshino. Cedar, cypress, cherry and horse chestnut is hand-grown with long-standing techniques to develop an even-toned wood with narrow growth rings and fine homogenous grain.

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Following the tenets of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, the artisanal wooden furniture at Lumine Singapore focuses on maximising the appeal of the wood. The artisans at Takanokagu balance the precise and intricate construction of the console with functionality—strengthening the connection between nature and humans.

The condition of the wood used to create the console is hard to find and unavailable in other areas. To emphasise the rarity of the cedar bark’s quality carefully nurtured by the Yoshino forestry industry which has continued for about 500 years, the artisans do not dare to process the bark—leaving the texture as is and creating a dynamic product.

Yoshino wood is not just beautiful to look at, with its unique wood grain, but it’s warm to the touch—literally. As you run your hands on the textured surface of the TV console, you will experience a juxtaposing softness on its firm surface. Each creation blends well into the ambience of the room while remaining practical and sturdy.

In a first for Lumine Singapore, the featured products at the pop-up will also be available for order online. You can now bring a little piece of nature into your home with Log stools by Morisho Meiboku; these polished logs can be used as furniture or as a unique display piece for your space. The wood grains, patterns and tones differ with each piece—drawing attention to the craft’s authenticity.

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This year’s event is also a special collaboration with Nara Prefectural Government, Okuyamato Migration and Exchange Promotion Office, to connect local producers from Japan with a worldwide audience seeking high-quality products. This project also aims to promote the appeal of craftsmanship in Okuyamato, Nara prefecture, both domestically and internationally, and to expand sales channels. 

In addition, Tokyo-based real estate and developer and retailer, Lumine also actively focuses on delivering quality content through their overseas pop-up events with up-and-coming brands across Singapore and Jakarta through their unique perspective.

There’s more to Lumine than just selling products, as they place importance on communicating the coexistence of man with nature. There’s a delicate balance these craftspeople must keep in consideration—the history of forestry, the climate created by the trees, and the ever-evolving skills of the craftspeople relative to the needs of today. By conveying these elements, the concept store believes it will increase the value of the products in the eyes of the visitor and will create a cycle of appreciation and attachment to the region.

For this reason, Lumine pays close attention to the interests of each customer and provides the necessary information in a correct and appealing manner. Their intention is to connect businesses and partners from around the world and Japan to contribute to mutual development, cultural promotion and industrial revitalisation.

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In recent years, Yoshino wood furniture from Okuyamato has become very popular for daily living since Yoshino lumber is regarded as a model for forestry throughout Japan. In fact, furniture and goods made by craftsmen who have moved to this area in search of Yoshino wood are highly sought after. The care and consideration for each tree, as it is tended carefully over the course of 200 years, reminds us of the need to slow down and appreciate the values of the generations that came before us. Not only do these age-old traditions yield valued timber of high quality, but they also preserve the surroundings as the residents of the mineral-rich region live in harmony with the forest. 

Don’t miss the chance to interact with the artisans on their inspiration, stories and love of the craft. 

Lumine Singapore's ‘Into The Woods’ pop-up runs until January 5 2022, at 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #02-20, The Central.