AJI PROJECT
This bookend, "ROCK END," uses Aji stone with its distinctive mottled pattern.
The contrast between the natural, rugged rock face and the carefully polished, straight cut surface is truly striking.
This product is by "AJI PROJECT," a beautiful design interior brand that uses Aji stone.
Aji stone is a high-grade granite quarried from the rock cliffs of Mt. Goken, which straddles Mure-cho and Aji-cho in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.
With the desire to share its appeal 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 and for statues for over 400 years.
AJI PROJECT elevates its natural form and texture into designs that fit modern lifestyles.
Rich Texture Woven by Differences in Particle Size
The minerals contained in Aji stone have small crystals, and are classified into "Koma-me" (fine-grained) and "Chu-me" (medium-grained) based on their particle size.
Additionally, those with a high iron content and brown color are called "Sabi-ishi" (rust stone) in the production area.
The fine-grained Koma-me on the bottom left is characterized by its delicate texture, and when carefully polished, it reveals a beautiful, double-ikat-like pattern.
The medium-grained Chu-me on the bottom right is characterized by small grains of biotite, one of the main components of Aji stone, making it appear slightly whiter than Koma-me.
The Sabi-ishi in the upper center has traditionally been used for gardens, but has recently been gaining attention as a construction material.
It gets its name from its brown "sabi" (rust) color, and it's surprising that it deepens in color over time, and its natural beauty is said to have a healing effect.
Elegant and Robust Aji Stone
Aji stone is a type of granite, but it is also called the "diamond of granite" due to the beauty of its fine crystals.
Furthermore, Aji stone is characterized by its high hardness and strong resistance to weathering.
Because the fine crystals are strongly bound together, it is said that delicate craftsmanship that cannot be imitated by other stones can be applied to it.
This rock end leverages these characteristics, featuring a design where one stone is split into two.
The surfaces that come into contact with books are polished to prevent damage, and inconspicuous clear rubber is attached to the bottom as a non-slip measure, making it highly functional.
It pairs well with vintage furniture, and a rich black shelf further enhances the stone's texture and substantial feel.
It creates a modern atmosphere and adds an elegant accent, regardless of whether the setting is Japanese or Western.
Forms that Naturally Blend into Any Space
AJI PROJECT products are developed with a focus on preserving the raw feel of Aji stone and considering the stone's place in the environment.
Although seemingly foreign at first glance, they mysteriously blend naturally into various spaces, as if they had always been there.
The Shape of Stone that Brings a Clear Breeze to the Space
The Aji stone production area has a long history as a place where the stone industry flourished, and it is also known for the high skill of its artisans.
Here, specialized artisans divide tasks such as splitting, carving, and polishing.
Each artisan utilizes their unique skills, and one product is created through each step of the process, from quarrying to finishing.
AJI PROJECT items, which handle natural materials like stone that radiate energy cultivated by the earth, showcase the unique texture of Aji stone and boast delicate, outstanding quality.
Deciding where to display them in my room is one of my recent pleasures.
