The Torigoe neighborhood in Tokyo’s Taito Ward has a rich history of craftsmanship that stretches back centuries. Metalworkers and makers of religious icons have long served the area’s temples and shrines, and leather and textile workers have historically made a home here too. It’s in this context that designer Masuko Unayama established SyuRo and began selling homeware that is functional and unfussy, and often made in the local area. Housed in a former workshop, SyuRo resembles a gallery as much as a store. SyuRo’s ethos rejects fast fashion and single-use products; materials such as linen and leather, stone and copper abound. The goods here take time and skill to make, and in turn, can be used for a long time. Carved wooden spoons and chopsticks are made from maple, Japanese oak and walnut. Square brass and copper cans are made by tucking and folding the metals, without soldering, This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-Two Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Design Kunio Maekawa A new exhibition at Kinfolk’s Case Study Room in Tokyo. Design Issue 32 Yoon Ahn Meet the designer who made Tokyo her home, then took the city’s grunge-chic aesthetic to Dior—and the world. Design City Guide Issue 32 Papier Labo A walk-in design studio. Design Issue 21 New Minimalist: Joseph Dirand French architect Joseph Dirand acquired his first Prouvé chair at the tender age of 17 and has favored function over form ever since. Design Issue 51 John Pawson From the king of minimalism: “I find the essential and get the design down to a point where you can’t add or subtract from it.” Design Interiors Issue 51 Axel Vervoordt Inside the world of Axel Vervoordt.
Design Issue 32 Yoon Ahn Meet the designer who made Tokyo her home, then took the city’s grunge-chic aesthetic to Dior—and the world.
Design Issue 21 New Minimalist: Joseph Dirand French architect Joseph Dirand acquired his first Prouvé chair at the tender age of 17 and has favored function over form ever since.
Design Issue 51 John Pawson From the king of minimalism: “I find the essential and get the design down to a point where you can’t add or subtract from it.”