Furniture from Shimoo Design
―Vol.1―
With the concept of 'simple, functional, and beautiful tools,' Shimoo Design, a husband-and-wife team led by Kazuhiko and Saori Shimoo, aims to bring the essence of Japanese culture and aesthetics into modern living.
Their woodworking creations, crafted using their original technique called 'Fuyou,' are entirely handmade, one piece at a time. These works not only warmly integrate into daily life but also elevate spaces with a sense of refinement.
This time, we are introducing Shimoo Design's wooden furniture, which includes a wide range of pieces alongside their lineup of tableware and accessories.
From tea tables and dining tables to display shelves, each piece of furniture is uniquely crafted to highlight the natural grain and knots of the wood. These one-of-a-kind items bring a sophisticated, modern presence not only to living spaces such as dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms but also to public spaces like restaurants.
The Essence of Fuyou
Fuyou, synonymous with Shimoo Design, is an original finishing technique that combines elements of the traditional Japanese methods of Uzukuri and Negoro-nuri. This unique finish was born out of a deep admiration for both techniques.
The textured surface of Fuyou, which resembles a sumi-e (ink wash painting) landscape, along with its modern aesthetic that blends seamlessly into both Japanese and Western spaces, continues to captivate people both in Japan and abroad.
Uzukuri – Uzukuri is a traditional wood finishing technique where the soft summer wood of materials like paulownia or cedar is scraped away using a tool made from the roots of the karukaya plant, leaving the harder winter wood raised to beautifully showcase the wood grain.
Negoro-nuri – A type of lacquerware finishing technique where a layer of red lacquer is applied over an undercoat of black lacquer. Over time, the surface wears, revealing the underlying layers and creating a beautiful aged effect.
The Ryuurei table (Ryuurei-style) tea ceremony originated in 1872 during the Meiji era, designed to welcome foreign guests at an exposition. It has been regarded as a pioneer in the modernization of the tea ceremony, aligning with the cultural transitions from the late Edo period to the Meiji era.
Shimoo Design has reimagined this traditional Ryuurei table for modern living, designing it to seamlessly blend into contemporary interiors without disrupting the aesthetic.
Free from strict rules or formalities, this borderless style allows anyone to enjoy tea, making it accessible to all. Additionally, the tables are designed in a convenient nesting format, allowing for compact storage when not in use, making it an easy and thoughtful addition to everyday life.
Shimoo Design’s Ryuurei tables are available in two options: a 4-piece set and a 7-piece set.
The 4-piece set is designed with a compact layout that provides just enough space for the host to prepare tea.
The inner diameter is approximately 25 cm. Please use a kettle that fits this size.
Fuyou Ryuurei Table 4-piece Set Black ¥649,000 (tax included)
*Available in two finishes: black and gray in the Fuyou style. The urethane finish is available in dark brown for ¥319,000 (tax included).
*For Fuyou-finished pieces, we can also discuss the option of including or omitting distressed detailing.
*IH heater is not included, so please purchase separately. Compatible sizes are W390×D350×H55mm or smaller.
*The inner shelf will be delivered detached. Please assemble it yourself.
*Displayed at 'Amahare Shirokanedai'
≫ Fuyou Ryurei-joku 4-piece Set (a set of tea service tables and chairs)
≫ Ryurei-joku 4-piece Set (a set of tea service tables and chairs) Dark Brown
The 7-piece Ryuurei table set includes a space for the host to prepare tea, along with guest tables for three people.
Fuyou Ryurei-joku 7-piece Set (a set of tea service tables and chairs) gray ¥924,000 (tax included)
*Available in two finishes: black and gray in the Fuyou style.
*The urethane finish is available in dark brown for ¥539,000 (tax included).
*For Fuyou-finished pieces, we can also discuss the option of including or omitting distressed detailing.
*IH heater is not included, so please purchase separately. Compatible sizes are W390×D350×H55mm or smaller.
*The inner shelf will be delivered detached. Please assemble it yourself.
*Displayed at 'Shimoo TOKYO' and 'KYO AMAHARE.'
This Ryuurei table is recommended for those who practice the tea ceremony, whether professionally or casually, and also for those who want to enjoy Chinese tea or coffee.
If you’re looking to entertain friends or guests, why not consider Shimoo Design’s Ryuurei table?
≫ Fuyou Ryurei-joku 7-piece Set (a set of tea service tables and chairs)
The Fuyou-finished dining table (set of 2) offers versatile arrangements. You can stagger the two tables, arrange them in an L-shape, line them up in a row, or use them separately, allowing for various configurations to suit different occasions.
Fuyou M Table
Without distressed finish: ¥605,000 (tax included)～ / With distressed finish: ¥660,000 (tax included)～
*Available in two Fuyou finishes: black and gray.
*We are happy to discuss custom sizes and whether you would like the distressed finish or not. For those who prefer the distressed look, the degree of distressing (subtle or intense) can be adjusted upon request, but the final decision will be entrusted to the artist.
*For detailed size options, please check the Amehare Online Shop.
*Displayed at 'Amahare Shirokanedai'
The M Table is perfect for large gatherings such as home parties with family and friends. Pair it with benches or stools to suit your preference.
≫ Fuyou M Table
Fuyou Display Shelf / Step Shelf
The gentle curves along the top and base give Shimoo Design’s display shelf a subtly elegant appearance.
This open-shelf design invites you to display your favorite collections, such as ceramics or small objects, and can also serve as a decorative piece that adds charm to your living space.
Sharp, clean lines combined with soft, alluring curves are hallmarks of Shimoo Design.
The meticulously crafted forms create a sense of refined beauty, enhancing the quality of any space.
Fuyou Display Shelf ¥583,000 (tax included)
*Available in two Fuyou finishes: gray and black.
*Displayed at 'Amahare Shirokanedai'
≫ Fuyou Display Shelf
This piece incorporates design elements from Chigai-dana, a staggered shelf style often seen in traditional Japanese rooms.
While rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics, it embodies the modern Japanese beauty characteristic of Shimoo Design. Its versatile presence makes it easy to integrate into both Japanese and Western-style spaces.
The staggered shelf design creates a sense of space, allowing each item—such as one-of-a-kind art pieces or vases—to stand out, enhancing their presence and serving as a striking accent in the room.
Fuyou Chigai-dana Shelf ¥858,000
*Available in two Fuyou finishes: gray and black.
*Displayed at 'Shimoo TOKYO.'
The Chigai-dana shelf makes a beautiful statement in any space, whether placed in the living room, study, or as a focal point in the entryway. Consider incorporating it into your daily scenery as a decorative element to showcase your hobbies or enjoy the changing seasons.
≫ Fuyou Display Shelf Staggered Gray
Fuyou Sideboard 400/500
The sideboard, with its large drawers, features a clean and simple design while also exuding a sense of solidity and presence.
You can place a TV on it as a centerpiece in your living room, creating a bold statement, or use it to arrange books or your favorite collections, adding a chic accent to your space. With its versatile design, it offers various styling and usage options to suit your personal preferences.
It is also possible to adjust the position of the drawers or increase their number.
While it's certainly possible to stack the upper and lower sections perfectly, we also recommend offsetting the upper section slightly for a more unique styling. The open space can be used to display vases or objects, creating an even more refined look.
Fuyou Sideboard
Depth 400mm: ¥880,000 (tax included) / Depth 500mm: ¥990,000 (tax included)
*Available in two Fuyou finishes: black and grey.
*We can also discuss the option of including or omitting distressed detailing on the tabletop. If requested, we will provide a separate estimate. While the final finish is generally left to the artist, we can accommodate preferences for subtle or more intense distressing.
*Displayed at 'KYO AMAHARE.'
Additionally, this sideboard features an open-shelf design without a back panel, giving it a light, airy feel even when placed in the center of a room. It can also be used as a room divider without creating a sense of heaviness.
≫ Fuyou Sideboard
The furniture introduced this time are large pieces designed to be the centerpiece of your room. If you have any concerns about size or fit, please don’t hesitate to consult with us.
Next time, we will introduce smaller furniture from Shimoo Design, such as HITORIZEN, created with the concept of 'enjoying drinks' and perfect as a small table, and the Brion Table, recommended as an accent piece beside a bed or sofa. Please look forward to it!
Text/Maiko Mitani(AMAHARE)
Photo/Yumiko Obara(AMAHARE)