"The Age of Wood" exemplifies how objects at the edge of functionality can transcend boundaries between art and design by creating a rich and layered language, where purpose is present yet primarily conveyed through artistic and symbolic dimensions, as Christian and Jade blend their roles as curators and creators to craft sculptural pieces that resonate deeply with their research and the narrative of the show, beautifully encapsulating the theme of the exhibition.
This all comes together at the newly opened Karimoku Research Center in Tokyo, where they designed and developed an exhibition to celebrate the launch of Karimoku Research, set within a space crafted by Keiji Ashizawa.
"The forest bears witness. To a time before us, and to a future that stretches beyond our understanding. The tree grows in layers, around the dead cells of heartwood, its structure rooted in the past. In an era where many of us long for a deeper connection to nature, The Age of Wood delves into themes of time, age, and the natural process of decay within the context of Japan’s woodland. Working alongside Karimoku, Christian and Jade reimagine a vision of timelessness, one that invites us to reflect on our role as stewards and form-givers."
The story behind this project began in the dense forests of Hida, located in Gifu Prefecture, and at Karimoku’s production facilities in Aichi. It was here that Christian and Jade were introduced to a world rich in knowledge about Japan’s forests and their diverse trees. They witnessed firsthand the fusion of high craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, gaining insight into the philosophy that drives Karimoku. “We were humbled to experience the patience, dedication, and care that goes into not just forest stewardship, but also in creating a factory dedicated to using underutilized wood species—designing pieces that can last a lifetime,” they shared.
The exhibition is anchored by a striking wooden structure—a “Library” that archives 63 wood species carefully collected by Karimoku over the years. Each tray in the library holds a fragment of a tree’s story: a leaf, a seed, or a piece of bark, offering a tactile connection to the life and history of the materials. This installation invites visitors to explore the rich narrative embedded in wood and its deep cultural significance.
Several bespoke objects created specifically for the exhibition further develop the dialogue between tradition, craft, and the natural world. Among these is a section titled “Ageing with Wood,” which emphasizes wood as a living material that continues to change and transform over time. This section consists of three sculptures: “Touch", “Sunlight,” and “Moisture.” Together, these works capture and exaggerate the natural changes wood undergoes, turning what some might view as imperfections into poetic expressions of time’s passage.
The kinetic sculpture, titled "Touch," is defined by a pendulum equipped with a sharp tool that gradually scratches the surface of walnut wood. Over time, the sculpture records these marks, symbolizing the way time leaves traces on all living things. The intention behind this piece is to highlight that time is inherently embedded in wood itself, creating a profound connection between the material and the passage of time.
The light sculpture, "Sunlight," uses UV light to transform the cherry wood over time. The gradual darkening and enrichment of its color mirrors the wood’s exposure to sunlight, ultimately bringing its tone closer to that of the UV lamp casing. This process becomes a subtle yet powerful metaphor for the way natural elements continuously shape wood’s appearance and character.
The third sculpture, "Moisture," draws inspiration from an ancient weather-predicting tool used by Indigenous communities in Canada. It reacts to changes in humidity: when the air is humid, the wooden sticks droop downward, resembling a sad expression; when dry, they straighten back up. This dynamic interplay illustrates wood’s responsiveness to environmental conditions, making its transformations tangible and expressive.
Other wooden sculptures in the exhibition celebrate balance and harmony through interlocking geometric forms. These precisely crafted pieces highlight the beauty of modularity and structural integrity. The clean lines and carefully fitted components emphasize how individual elements come together to form a cohesive whole. These small sculptures and experiments, displayed on the podium in front of the window, fall under the theme “Years of a Tree,” which seeks to showcase the ways we can understand the life of a tree.
In each of these objects, wood is not merely a material but a vessel for history, time, and craftsmanship, reflecting the core themes of the exhibition while encouraging a deeper contemplation of humanity's relationship with the natural world.
