'SUMI BLACK' COLLECTION

The "SUMI BLACK" collection draws inspiration from a "Kurogaki" I encountered during an inspiring trip to Tokyo. 

"Kurogaki," a colloquial term, lacks formal taxonomic classification as a "black persimmon."
When cut for timber, persimmon trees typically show colours from milky white to light yellow. Rarely, a distinctive black hue, resembling ink, is found in the tree's core, known as "Kurogaki."

Encountering "Kurogaki" is a one-in-ten-thousand chance, highlighting its exceptional rarity. This rarity, coupled with the tree's challenging growth patterns and timber processing difficulties, contributes to its mystique and high value.

No specific region in Japan is known for an abundance of "Kurogaki," and determining if a persimmon tree is one can only be done upon cutting it. The tree's tendency to twist while growing, along with its breakable nature, makes it a challenging tree for landscapers and lumberyards, showcasing the skills of craftsmen.

Like savouring the exquisite mood with a candle that carries the scent of wood and forests, the relaxing and mysterious colours and patterns of a campfire in the woods evoke a sense of wabi-sabi art, precisely created by nature.

To capture the essence of this phenomenon, I've employed Japanese soot paint, a medium deeply symbolic of the colour 'black' in Japanese culture.