Anniina Koivu, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec: Works, London, 2012, p. 215 Clémence and Didier Krzentowski, eds., The Complete Designers' Lights II, Paris, 2014, p. 391
Catalogue Essay
Working with Japan Brand to integrate craftsmanship with industry, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec conceived a series of lacquered objects for everyday use through which to explore new applications for the traditional Japanese technique. Following Ronan Bouroullec’s trip to Wajima, a small city located in Ishikawa Prefecture renowned for its lacquerware workshops, the brothers worked with local craftsmen to produce a small collection, comprising the present desk light, a table lamp, a lunch tray set, and a pocket mirror. These simple objects illustrate the possibilities for the material’s modern day applications. Referencing the traditional shapes found in lacquerware, the present lot’s assembled form hints at these possibilities, whilst the incorporation of the LED light source reveals the depth of the material, highlighting the elegant union of ancient and modern techniques.
2011 Lacquered wood, gold, LED. 29 x 37.5 x 25.7 cm (11 3/8 x 14 3/4 x 10 1/8 in.) Produced by Japan Brand for Galerie kreo, France. Artist's proof number 2 from the edition of 8 plus 2 artist's proofs and 2 prototypes. Underside marked Desk Light, 2011, E.A.2/R+E BOUROULLEC/Edition Galerie kreo. Together with original cedar wood box.