Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, India

This collection from Ruana Designs was inspired by the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa, India. The temple’s grandeur, intricate sculptures, beautiful stone carvings and unique architecture inspired the true beauty of the Moksha collection.

The golden yellow thread embroidery on the Linen fabric is symbolic to the color of the sun and the blue threads are inspired by the ocean, a mile away from the temple.

The base fabric is 100% LINEN from the QUARTZ collection.

Find the Moksha collection and more at the Jia Moderne showroom in Suite 329 in the Boston Design Center.

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With the proliferation of both luxury and economy hotel brands throughout the Asian Pacific region, I have to ask—what of the art that is to beautify the interiors?!

Art Fair Hong Kong

This past February the Asia Hotel Art Fair (AHAF) took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. The AHAF featured “more than 3,000 works of art, shown over the course of three days, with the participation of more than 60 primary galleries from Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong and other Asian countries.”

Some countries woo their international hotel guests with a familiar breakfast , would they do the same with art?

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Design Center Place | Suite 329

Love the way light is able to enter the space

I am most interested in taking a close look at the various architectural elements that can be found in a traditional Japanese home; those which despite being material, transcend their physical nature and lend themselves to this “aesthetic ideal of emptiness.”

The five elements that I will be looking at are:

Tatami mats

Wood

Paper

Bamboo

Stone

Woven from straw, tatami mats cover the floors of Japanese homes. On average, a tatami mat will measure 90cm in width and 180cm in length. Moreover, tatami mats regulate space in a Japanese house; interior spaces are measured by tatami mat dimensions.

Tatami mats generally measure 90cm wide and 180cm long

The majority of Japanese homes are primarily constructed out of timber and the carpenter is greatly venerated for his/her artisanship. Hand-made paper, known as washi is used for both artistic and functional needs and encourages light and shadow to dance. Washi paper can be fitted over windows and doors softening and shaping the light as it reaches the interior spaces. Japanese artist and Jia Moderne vendor, Hiro Odaira, uses washi paper to create the most alluring pieces.

Washi paper by Hiro Odaira. His artisanship results in works that are both functional and decorative.

Found in both the exteriors and interiors of Japanese residences, bamboo’s simplistic beauty is used both as a functional material as well as for a simple yet decorative touch.

The simplistic beauty of stones and bamboo.

 It is common to see stone pathways around Japanese homes and gardens. These unique objects of beauty are also used to build the foundations. Furthermore, their attributed physicality lends to their poetic nature. “By a sophisticated placing of the stones, our foot movements can be slowed down, sped up, halted or turned in various directions. And with our legs, our eyes are manipulated, and our visual input from spatial phenomena is structured over time” (Kyoto Journal 8, Gunter Nitschke).

For more information on this concept of “emptiness” read the rest of Gunter Nitschke’s article entitled Ma: Place, Space, Void.

For more information on Taoism check out this link from the BBC

Jia Moderene | Boston Design Center | Suite 329

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A “collector” is understood as an individual who collects objects of particular personal intrigue. What I find interesting about Robert Shore’s relationship to his collection of Japanese pottery is that these pieces are more than just interesting objects to admire on a shelf. His collection quite literally serves a practical need; the Shores eat off of some of them! Rita claims that it is because of these pieces that Robert actually enjoys doing the dishes!

Robert & Rita Shore

The Shores’ presentation of their collection revealed facts and anecdotes of which both exposed Robert’s utter fascination with the pottery of the Japanese tradition and Rita’s unbridled support and admiration for each piece.

One by one, Robert carefully unwrapped the boxes that dutifully carry each vase or tea bowl. When asked about the pottery Robert would smile and joyfully regale us with its intricate history and how he came into possession of it.

I learned that it was Robert’s uncle who first introduced him to the wonders of Asian pottery. Yet, despite his uncle’s passion for the pottery of the Song Dynasty from the 10^th/11^th Centuries China, Robert fell in love with the human-like imperfections of Japanese pottery.

Initially, his business trips are what brought him to Japan, but his passion for the country’s rich pottery tradition and the connections he made there are what keep him coming back.

Robert has spent extensive time studying the history of the pieces as well as with some of the contemporary potters themselves. One potter in particular, Shiho Kanzaki, is someone who came up in a few of Robert’s stories. With a Buddhist temple at his house, Kanzaki’s Buddhist nature plays a strong role in his pottery practice. Robert has written highly of Shiho Kanzaki,

“He keeps his forms ‘simple’ to allow the brilliance of the shizen-yu (natural ash-glazes) to dazzle the sense, and that they do! Matched with the richness of the tsuchi-aji (‘clay flavor’) kanzaki’s works are truly in a class alone for anagama firings.”

Iga vase by Shiho Kanzaki (right).

 I asked Robert how he initially meets potters like Kanzaki despite his lack of fluency in their native language and he told me that after first meeting a potter or two, a web of connections is revealed and friendships are formed.

One of the many virtues of working with collectors such as Robert and Rita is that they are committed to offering pieces of utmost integrity and intrigue. You can find select pieces from the Shores’ collection for sale in our showroom in Suite 329 in the Boston Design Center. Robert is also happy to procure similar pieces if there is interest.

Tea bowl

Jia Moderne | Suite 329

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 Various articles and blog posts have been commenting on the uncanny resemblance of Zaha Hadid’s Galaxy Soho complex in Beijing and project Meiquan 22^nd Century in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongquing. While Hadid’s project is scheduled to be completed in 2014, the rumored pirated copy,  Meiquan 22nd Century, looks like it may be completed first.

Zaha Hadid’s project is scheduled to be completed in 2014

It would be absurd to ignore the existence and importance of inspiration and how it manifests in anything from food diets to running a marathon. However, in the case of design, and more specifically, architecture; where is the line between an enthusiastic burst of inspiration to create something and well just plain old inspiration to duplicate it.

Project Meiquan 22nd Century is rumored to be completed before Hadid’s project Galaxy Soho complex.

Historical examples of architectural imitation over the centuries have been circulating within this particular debate. Such histories reveal the sentiment that imitation is motivated by inspiration, thus the idea that imitation is in no way born out of ill will, but out of honor of and respect for the past. In the case of Hadid’s Galaxy Soho complex vs. Meiquan 22^nd Century, there seems to be a difference in mimicking design across time periods and doing so within the same period. It is within this observation that I would like to challenge our unquestioned acceptance of imitation across decades. I ask, does temporal distance allow us to romanticize imitation? In other words, would this be such a heated debate if Meiquan 22^ndCentury were created in 3013?

You say potatoes and I say Potatoes. Normally this statement might be followed up with, “To each his/her own” but in the case of “koi or cobblestones”, it is just not that easy…

Jia Moderne

Boston Design Center | Suite 329

Have you heard?!

The owner of Jia Moderne, Betsy Sweat is currently in Asia! During her 8 weeks abroad she is sourcing new collections and pieces, attending the Business of Design Week in Hong Kong and meeting intriguing artists!

This past week she met a “Street artist” who truly lives up to his title. His name is Grand So.

Grand So in his gallery/office/studio.

 At the far end near Western Market, the former decrepit area below premier Antiques region is now full of exquisite galleries, cafés, restaurants, residential and boutique hotel spaces AND the acclaimed artist, Grand So. So is a former Advertising Executive who in 2006 decided to commit himself entirely to his art practice and so opened a unique gallery in his preferred venue… the street. Situated outside of an abandoned furniture storefront this open-air gallery provides space where So can paint and be free from interior preoccupations.

In an interview, “Art & The City”  So identifies his motivation to work on the street.

“I only wanted to seek a quiet place where I could immerse myself in painting and reading. Contemplating over questions in the universe is my passion and is also an expression of my internal world.”

This outdoor gallery makes clear economical sense—no rent! Soo, why isn’t everyone out on the street? Well, the weather for one thing! Whether a hot day or a cold day, Grand So is there from Monday – Sunday : 10am-5pm in winter and 9am-6pm in summer (except Tuesday afternoon, Friday and rainy days!).

Sing Tao Chinese Newspaper 2011

 “I grasp every opportunity every day to persist in and commit myself to painting.” –Grand So

…And thank goodness that he does! Look for some of So’s pieces in our showroom and on our website at jiamoderne.com after the new year!

Whether working directly with a designer on a project or out and about traveling, we draw inspiration from a dynamic blending of ancient and contemporary Asia. Many of our pieces are absolutely customizable and whether you are looking for a traditional Asian design to be molded out of contemporary materials or a new exquisite build with recycled materials, we are excited to help!

Check out this gorgeous custom lucite medicine cabinet!

Here is the view of our window and latest custom piece in Suite 329.

 Modeled after an entire wall sized installment in the Opposite House Hotel in Beijing, China, this latest custom piece is a striking 20-drawer Lucite cabinet with seven ancient wooden drawers and hardware salvaged from China

Here are some pictures of the Opposite House where we drew our inspiration…

This is an image of an exhibition going on in the Opposite House in Beijing. Check out the wall-sized installment of the lucite and wooden shelves!

You can see the lucite and wooden drawers in the back!

 The lucite structure of the cabinet gives it a contemporary edge while the addition of the wooden drawers gestures to a Chinese aesthetic and brings the old and new in direct conversation with one another.

The fun part is playing around with the different geometric positionings of the wooden and lucite drawers. Watch the medicine cabinet transform before your eyes as you switch up the presentation of the drawers making it uniquely your own.

Along with those delicious treats we were absolutely delighted to host the Mcgrath’s presentation and booksigning of their recent book, Good Bones, Great Pieces.

Suzanne and Lauren McGrath pose on KOO de Monde Exhibitor, Scott Chasteen’s latest bench!

Here are some highlights from the event…

Suzanne and Lauren presenting the “Seven Essentials”

These past couple of weeks, Jia Moderne and KOO de Monde teamed up to blog about the seven essentials à la McGrath from the KOO site . We learned that a love seat has a place in any room. The demilune can hold cereal bowls, lamps, or work as a small desk. Having a bench to pull up to the table “is a necessity”(GBGP, 93). Linnens, hats & scarves, clothes, or a bar—a dresser with “good bones” can hold anything you ask it too. Today in your living room, tomorrow in your bedroom—the slipper chair slips easily into different spaces. As a pair or a single, the side table gives great structure to a room. Adding an occasional chair “will immediately give your room an air of sophistication”(GBGP, 167).

book signing and book enjoying!

So, what is it exactly that gives a piece good bones and how do you know it when you see it? Suzanne tells us to trust our instinct. She said that if you love a chair, you are allowed to buy it!

Suzanne McGrath poses with Georia Cambati and Lilian Sticco from the KOO de Monde team!

At the end of the day we pulled a business card out of the basket and announced the winner of the iPad raffle. Congratulations, Meredith Salisbury!!!!

We hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as we did! On behalf of KOO de Monde and Jia Moderne, thank you!

Jia Moderne | Suite 329

In their book, Good Bones Great Pieces Suzanne and Lauren write, “Lucite furniture is one of our secret weapons; its transparent quality combats the clutter factor of small spaces”

 Take a peak at one of our secret weapons…

 You may have seen this head turning piece featured in the April Elle Décor Magazine. The red Lucite of the Quan chair gives it a contemporary edge while a Chinese tradition is infused in the Quan’s classical Ming style design. The artist, JinR, says it epitomizes her desire to “preserve and evolve the T. Spirit of China”

Post by Sbodnar

Jia Moderne | Suite 329

Some of the most expressive pieces of furniture in a home are side tables. There are so many to choose from, it might be difficult to decide on the right one. A classic designed side table will never go out of style and will be useful for years to come. But sometimes a one of a kind piece can bring the energy back into a room.

Koo de Monde’s side table pick is one by Kevin Busta, called Stack Rack Side Table. Busta creates pieces of furniture from materials found around his studio in Cleveland, Ohio. Because the raw materials are found, each piece is unique and has its own story of how it came to be. We love the industrial look of this side table and think it is a fun and stylish piece.

Post by LSTICCO, KOO de Monde

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Jia Moderne | Suite 329