For the spring edition of maison et objet in Paris, Japanese prolific designer Nendo has embarked on an ambitions collaboration with Chinese teaware brand zens. The joint has resulted in five collections  presented at the fair inside a small white village installation created by the designer himself. The set, comprised of six gabled-like structures intertwined with each other, invited visitors to take a peek inside them, revealing the products.

Nendo has embarked on an ambitions collaboration with Chinese lifestyle manufacturer zens

Entitled ‘pinto’, this furniture collection by Nendo for zens consists of a side table, a stool, a small shelf, and a container. The four pieces feature the same triangle as a pedestal but with a different top depending on its use. A smooth surface is used for the table top while a slightly bent one is set for the seating. Three layers of surfaces make the self and those made into a circle will create a space for holding small accessories. The collection references Chinese characters that can have multiple meanings depending on how you arrange them.

In total, it features five new collections

‘Tea-ware and tableware lids generally have a plain surface, but by creating clump-shaped lids giving each its own role, a tableware collection with a single stone seemingly stacked on was created,’ says Nendo on the ‘stone’ collection. ‘The coffee pot, mugs, coffee dripper, milk jug and sugar bowl, all have a stacked stones design which may be used as is. Vor the coffee pot and mugs a stone-type dripper can be used instead of a lid, it is also possible to stack and carry the milk jug or the sugar bowl on the pot.’

This is ‘pinto’, a furniture collection featuring four pieces with a triangle pedestal

‘Chirp’ takes inspiration from birds resting in electric lines. The stands showcase single flower bases and small containers supported by a thin stand. The number of vases can be increased to hold more flowers and reduced when not in need. Accessories, such as necklaces or keys can be hung on the stands. additionally, vases and containers can be used on the desk to keep small items like pens or clips for instance.

A flat surface serves as a shelve

Balancing bowls

The uses of this pieces can be infinite

The stone series features a brilliant design motif of smooth stones often depicted in traditional asian paintings

Creatively using this shape, the tableware, tea and coffee sets become pieces of art for your home

Bone china, cast iron, and high borosilicate glass are used for high quality and enduring characteristics

‘Chirp’ takes inspiration from birds resting in electric lines

The stands showcase single flower bases and small containers supported by a thin stand

The number of vases can be increased to hold more flowers and reduced when not in need

Proposal for the installation at maison et objet

(Source:designboom.com)