1934 Smalls

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—01. Signe Persson-Melin glass teapot and warmer.

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Abel Sloane, who runs the well-edited, UK-based modernist furniture shop, 1934, has recently extended his operation to include a sister store focussed on smaller, easily shippable items. Dubbed 1934 Smalls, the bulk of his current stock is made up of glassware, printed matter and ceramics, all of which dovetail perfectly with the larger pieces he sells.

—1934 Smalls

Maruhiro Flagship Store

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—01. Concrete-filled ceramic floor.

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Maruhiro, producer of the outstanding Hasami ceramics line, recently commissioned designer Yusuke Seki to overhaul their flagship store in Japan's Nagasaki prefecture. The result owes a significant debt to the concept of monohara, the kiln-side pits used for the disposal of imperfect and broken pieces pulled from the fire. Rather than adhering to this traditional practice, 25,000 flawed items were assembled from numerous factories in the area, filled with concrete, and layered to form a jaw-dropping elevated floor. This inventive use of would-be waste creates a striking balance between the locale’s rich history and the company’s preeminent place in contemporary Japanese ceramics.

—Maruhiro
—Yusuke Seki

Book/Shop LBR-2 Book Bench

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—01. Solid ash.

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I have no idea how I missed the release of the outstanding LBR-2 Book Bench back in March, but better late than never is certainly an adage that applies to these kind of things. Book/Shop does a great job of dreaming up simple wooden furniture designs that integrate beautifully with your book collection and its surroundings. Made from a solid piece of FSC-certified lumber that is planed down and joined to its legs with finger joints, the LBR-2 comes in both walnut and ash versions which, to their aesthetic benefit, forego the use of nails and screws completely. 

—Available from Book/Shop

Akio Nukaga at Heath LA

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Heath Ceramics
LA Studio & Showroom
7525 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
July 11 – August 9, 2015

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Heath have brought back Japanese potter Akio Nukaga for another exhibition of his outstanding ceramics at their Los Angeles studio and showroom. Visitors will be able to view new works from his Mashiko kiln, including pleated vases, cups and teapots which evoke his customary style, as well as new techniques like the indigo glaze utilized in his Blue Band Collection. Be sure to pick up the richly textured, longer neck Bud Vase he produced with Heath as a collaborative piece, since I’m sure supplies are very limited.

—Heath Ceramics

Hibi Kesho Vase by Shinobu Hashimoto

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—01. Each vase is unique.

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The simple tapered shape and crackled white glaze of this vase by Shinobu Hashimoto exhibits an attractive aesthetic quality, but also stands as an excellent example of the modesty of primitive Japanese pottery. These qualities combine to form a unique vessel for displaying flowers or greenery that would fit effortlessly with most colour schemes or one’s personal assembled objects. 

—Available from OEN

Cow Books Book Rack

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—01. W:43cm x H:16cm x D:18.5cm.

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As one acquires more and more publications, the idea of a series of portable shelves for ease of rearranging, adding to, and relocating seems like a really attractive idea. This option from Cow Books has had some serious thought put into it. Inspired by the shelving used at Serendipity in Berkeley – the influential but now closed bookstore founded by Peter B. Howard in the early '60s – it features a beautiful handmade character and gives your favourite titles the place of distinction they deserve.

—Available from Cow Books

Now Open: Margaret Howell Le Marais, Paris

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Margaret Howell
37 rue Debelleyme
75003 Paris
+33 (0) 1 49 27 80 00

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Margaret Howell quietly opened the doors to a second shop in Paris recently. The new location in le Marais offers items from the men's and women's collections, as well as a selection of well-chosen lifestyle products. The space also features a press and wholesale showroom, a neat use of the interior by longtime collaborator William Russell at Pentagram.

—Margaret Howell

Gidon Bing Ceramics

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—01. Large Japanese bowl.
—02. Footed vase.

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The multi-talented, Auckland-based sculptor Gidon Bing, known for working in the mediums of wood, metal and ceramic, has created a number of beautiful vessels which enunciate a calm minimalism through their sturdy, simple forms and attractive French khaki colouring. Everyday Needs currently has a selection of different sized bowls, as well as a tall, footed vase – all of which would look great in any home, holding court in the middle of a table for decoration or used purposefully during a meal.

—Available from Everyday Needs