A Place I Want to Visit Regularly
It was around the time I was looking for new furniture after moving.
Through a fortunate connection, I met Mr. Ushimaru of "Wormhole Furniture."
He was truly instrumental in helping me choose important furniture that would define the atmosphere of my room as I started my new life. As I mentioned in a previous column, even now that my move has settled down, I still regularly visit Mr. Ushimaru's atelier.
Each time I open the door, I am greeted by the scent of wood and a quiet atmosphere.
There, furniture that has traveled through many years stands proudly yet somewhat modestly. The texture of the wood, the weight of the iron, the well-worn appearance. Each piece, imbued with a definite sense of time, is quietly arranged.
Though it's the same place, the scenery changes every time I visit. "What kind of encounter will I have today?" I naturally find myself walking with a lighter step. The time I spend going to the atelier is like a small treasure hunt for me.
Small Vintage Items That Color Everyday Life
Initially, I started by acquiring large furniture items like dining tables, chairs, and shelves. With Mr. Ushimaru's guidance, the foundation of my home gradually took shape, and now I live surrounded by beloved furniture.
Once my life settled down, my attention turned to the "empty spaces." My recent pleasure has been to find small objets d'art to gently display on shelves, or vintage tableware that adds a quiet depth to the dining table.
Unlike new items, there's a unique presence that only long years can create. Just having such "time-worn items" makes the familiar scenery of my room seem to gain a certain depth and appeal. I am drawn to the quiet power these items have to add depth to a space simply by being placed somewhere.
Every item chosen by Mr. Ushimaru's discerning eye is unique yet blends seamlessly into my current life. They never overpower, but subtly change the atmosphere of the space. As I look at them, I can't help but imagine the stories behind them.
The Eyes of the Selector
In Mr. Ushimaru's atelier, a variety of vintage items gathered from different countries are arranged. From Japanese traditional furniture to chairs and lighting from France and Denmark, from warm wooden furniture to robust industrial iron items, the range is surprisingly wide.
Strangely, all of them breathe naturally within the same space. Despite being from different eras and countries, there is a quiet harmony.
Our home's furniture is also a combination of vintage pieces from several countries, including Japan, France, and Denmark. We didn't set any special rules; I simply chose what I "liked," and it naturally created the current scene.
Nevertheless, I always feel a little uncertain when choosing. "Is it okay to combine this with that?" When I ask him, Mr. Ushimaru answers carefully, explaining his reasons. The color of the wood, the lines of the legs, how the space opens up. It's not just intuition; there's an unwavering perspective that comes from years of handling vintage items.
Above all, what comes across when I talk to him is Mr. Ushimaru's deep affection for furniture. The underlying passion of "liking" something may be effortlessly transcending the barriers of country and era, creating a unified form of harmony.
The French Breeze and the Straightening of Life
The other day, at a restaurant where I had lunch with a friend, a certain dish caught my eye.
Slightly thick white porcelain.
Soft curves around the rim.
A modest sheen, created by years of use.
Though not flashy, it possessed a certain dignified presence. I learned it was French vintage tableware.
Even though the food itself was no different than usual, simply being served on that dish made the meal feel a little bit more special.
Of course, I also love tableware made by artisans across Japan. Tableware that conveys the warmth of the earth and the presence of the maker adds a gentle warmth to everyday dining.
However, when I incorporate vintage items into my daily life, I feel a strange sensation of standing a little taller. When something that has accumulated time joins my present life, the usual scenery deepens just a little.
It's not about trying to be sophisticated, but perhaps about gently welcoming the richness that comes with time into one's hands.
A Special Day
And now, I have some happy news.
Mr. Ushimaru will be joining us for the Amenoie Open Day at the end of February.
On that day, I hope we can talk leisurely about the charm of vintage items and the richness of continuing to use old things with care.
It promises to be a precious time to experience the perspective of someone who truly understands these items.
The vintage items lining Amenoie are ones I acquired recently. Why not touch these items passed down through time and envision the landscape of your future life?
I look forward to seeing you at Amenoie.
