AJI PROJECT
These bookends, called "ROCK END", feature Aji stone with an impressive mottled pattern.
The contrast between the natural, rocky texture and the carefully polished, straight cross-section is truly striking.
This product is from "AJI PROJECT", a design interior brand that uses beautiful Aji stone.
Aji stone is a high-grade granite mined from the rock face of Mt. Goken, which spans Mure-cho and Aji-cho in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.
With the desire to share its charm with more people, the brand was launched in 2012 by 13 local stonemasons and volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Aji stone is a historic stone material that has been traditionally used in construction materials and stone statues for over 400 years.
AJI PROJECT utilizes its natural form and texture to elevate it into designs that fit modern lifestyles.
Stonemasons are craftsmen rooted in tradition, who have played an important role in shrine and temple architecture and Japanese gardens.
The presence of such skills, passed down in the region, exudes a strong presence even in its quietude.
Rich texture woven by differences in particles
The minerals contained in Aji stone have small crystals and are classified into "Komame" (fine grain) and "Chume" (medium grain) depending on the size of the grains.
In addition, reddish-brown stones with a high iron content are called "Sabi-ishi" (rust stone) in the region.
The Komame (fine grain) on the lower left is characterized by its fine texture, and when carefully polished, a beautiful pattern like a double ikat appears.
The Chume (medium grain) on the lower right is characterized by small grains of biotite, one of the main components of Aji stone, making it appear slightly whiter than Komame.
The Sabi-ishi (rust stone) at the top center has long been used for gardens, but in recent years, it has also attracted attention as a building material.
It gets its name from its reddish-brown "rust color," and it is surprising to learn that as time passes, it deepens in color and its natural texture provides a healing effect.
These paperweights, with their rounded form and cool, gentle texture when touched, exude a subtly profound charm.
Beyond their function as paperweights, displaying them like objets d'art on books or shelves creates a subtle dialogue with the space.
Elegant and Durable Aji Stone
Aji stone is a type of granite, but it is also known as the "diamond of granite" due to the beauty of its fine crystals.
Aji stone is also characterized by its high hardness and resistance to weathering.
Because the fine crystals are strongly bound together, it is said to be able to create delicate carvings that other stones cannot replicate.
These rock ends utilize these characteristics, with a design where a single stone is split into two.
The surfaces that come into contact with books are polished to prevent damage to the books, and inconspicuous clear rubber is attached to the bottom as a non-slip measure, making them highly functional.
They pair well with vintage furniture in your home, and the rich black shelves further enhance the stone's texture and substantial feel. They create a modern atmosphere and add an elegant accent, whether in a Japanese or Western setting.
Forms that naturally blend into any space
AJI PROJECT products are developed with great care for the texture of Aji stone, considering the stone's place in the world.
While seemingly unconventional, they somehow blend naturally into various spaces as if they had always been there.
The roll paper stand, which combines stone and wood, has a stable center of gravity thanks to the stone base, making it less likely to tip over when pulling out paper.
I use it as a toilet paper holder in my home, but it can also be used as a kitchen paper holder. It truly embodies functional beauty, blending into the space.
A compact, cube-shaped umbrella stand has a small hole at the top for inserting umbrellas and fine holes at the bottom for drainage, making it a simple yet captivating design. Its minimalist shape and moderate weight firmly support umbrellas, and it is likely to be used more often during the upcoming rainy season.
This door stopper features a distinctive combination of stone and hemp rope. Three cylindrical Aji stones are bundled with hemp rope, which not only ties the stones together but also functions as a handle and a buffer against the floor. The simple form of natural materials bundled together is charming, and it becomes an eye-catching interior accent even while in use.
The Shape of Stone Bringing Clear Air to Your Space
The Aji stone producing region has a long history as a flourishing stone industry, and is also known for the high skills of its craftsmen. Here, specialized craftsmen work in a division of labor, performing tasks such as splitting, carving, and polishing. Each craftsman utilizes their specialized skills, and each product is created through a step-by-step process from quarrying to processing.
Working with natural materials like stone, which emit the energy nurtured by the earth, AJI PROJECT items boast delicate and excellent quality that maximizes the unique texture of Aji stone. One of my recent pleasures is contemplating where to display them in my room.
The period after Golden Week can often be hectic. Why not refresh your mood by introducing clear air and tranquility into your space through AJI PROJECT?
