From ancient Beams to modern tables: upcycle furniture with CRUSH

Kankei Furniture Co., Ltd. has launched the second series of its traditional Japanese furniture line from the distinctive brand, CRUSH CRASH PROJECT (CRUSH). CRUSH’s foray into crafting numerous items with reclaimed wood resulted in a wave of unique furniture pieces. The designers, driven by a passion for ancient Japanese tools and fixtures, brought their ideas to life with the inception of the traditional Japanese furniture series, dedicated to highlighting the beauty of upcycling used materials.

The first series concentrated on storage items like the once-renowned “Mizuya Tansu” kitchen cabinets and other similar pieces. The latest wave, however, introduces dining tables, living room tables, and living boards, broadening the spectrum for home design possibilities.

Traditional Japanese furniture harks back to an era around the Meiji and Taisho periods, slightly before the Showa era, when floor-based lifestyles were mainstream. Furniture of that period boasts a low-rise, flat design with simplicity at its heart, a style that the second installment embraces.

By utilizing reclaimed wood, which has garnered a unique character over the years, CRUSH creates pieces that stand out from traditional antiques. Not only are these pieces robust enough for daily use, but they also radiate an inimitable personality.

While lacquer was a common finishing touch on old Japanese furniture, CRUSH opts for a more raw or lightly sanded finish to enhance the vintage appeal, bringing out the true essence of the reclaimed wood. The intent is to produce items that will be cherished and utilized for an extended period, allowing owners to appreciate the richness, nostalgia, and warmth of the reclaimed wood.

CRUSH’s focus on reclaimed wood leads them to predominantly repurpose beams, pillars, and other components from demolished traditional Japanese houses. The wood is cleaned, de-nailed, dried, and milled to prepare it for furniture creation. Consequently, unique features, such as nail holes and the wood’s aged color, give the reclaimed wood a character different from new materials. CRUSH harnesses these unique attributes, considering them as character traits, and incorporates them into their masterpieces.