The true expression of play erupts during dramatic social transitions. In medieval Japan, this was the transition from the Heian to the Kamakura period, from aristocratic to warrior society.
In a waka poem with a melody called "Ryoujin-hisho", compiled by Emperor Goshirakawa, there is the following verse
"Were humans born to play?"
This melody expresses the true nature of human life.
The next major social change came during the Meiji Restoration, when traditional Japanese society changed to the Western way of life.
The next major social change came during the Meiji Restoration, when traditional Japanese society gave way to the Western way of life.
What emerged was the rise of traditional carpentry, which combined Western-derived styles called Gi-yofu.
Today, Japan and the world are facing a major social transition, the Corona pandemic. At this time, it is the spirit of "play" that will undoubtedly drive society forward.
In today's commercialist society, play and work are seen as opposites, but this brings us to the idea that much of the world is made up of "play." In other words, the essence of what we earn is "play".
William Morris (1834-1896), the leader of the Arts and Crafts movement in the 1880s, wanted to open up design, which had been reserved for the British aristocracy, to the public through the use of textiles and prints, homogenization, lower prices and equalization of techniques.
In other words, through the "democratization of design", he wanted to bring to the people the "play" and culture that had been the preserve of the privileged classes.
Deep in the heart of our love of "retro style ", which is still prevalent today, lies an intrinsic longing for "play."
"Morris House" series is a cultural house within a modern urban house. The managers who live in these houses have a social responsibility to open up their designs to others by creating a house of culture through the play of the "〇〇 style".
In the past, the managers of the Meiji era worked hard to create Western-style houses arranged in a Japanese style, and gained the trust and achievements of society.
The best examples are Shibusawa Eichi, who led the way in modernization, and the Iwasaki and Mitsui families who founded the zaibatsu.
How about creating your own "Morris House" to open up the cultural values and identity of your business to the outside world?
Published on July 28, 2021
- 予告 / Announcement -
Morris House シリーズの第1号が、8月完成予定です。
The 1st in Morris House Series is scheduled for completion in August.
ウィリアム・モリスは、オーダーメイドとレディメイドの両方の生産形態を、自らのデザインに取り込んでいました。
Morris House第1号の格天井は、大量生産品の木材に新たな加工を施したパーツでつくられています。
このように、生産形態の組み合わせによってインテリアが出来上がる仕組みを思案中です。
William Morris incorporated both made-to-order and ready-made production forms into his designs.
The coffered ceiling in the 1st Morris House is made of mass-produced wood with new processing.
In this way, we are planning to create a system in which interiors are created through a combination of some production forms.
Published on July 16, 2021