A Japanese spirit for Brazilian furniture making
- Morito merges Japanese woodwork traditions with Brazilian design flair
- His practice is based on a philosophy of continuous improvement and transmission of craft
- His signature style is to reveal joints with shapely detailing and finishes
In the mid-1990s, Morito Ebine left Japan for Brazil, carrying the teachings of Kanagawa University, where he studied woodworking and furniture design. He employs the millenary Japanese joinery technique known as sashimono, which assembles furniture without the use of nails, relying on intricate wood joints instead. Traditionally concealed in Japan, these joints are prominently displayed in Morito's work to suit Brazilian design preferences. He became proficient in handling native Brazilian woods, such as freijó, sucupira, and pau marfim, which differ in density from the Japanese woods he was familiar with. Morito upholds the deeply rooted Japanese tradition of passing down skills by imparting his expertise to others. “In Japan, the university trains you to teach. We learn from the elders and must teach what we know to the younger ones,” he explains.
Interview
- How long does it take to design a single piece of furniture?
- Usually, it takes two to three weeks to develop a new design. I make jigs, often leading to design changes. It takes me about two months to produce the first prototype. Even after decades of production, I continue to make design changes, following the kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement.
- What is your design style?
- I strive to create contemporary furniture that is timeless and versatile. My goal is to design pieces that can seamlessly integrate into a traditionally styled home, without disrupting the existing decor.
- Where do you find inspiration?
- I enjoy walking in the mountains and forests, watching the trees. The memories of these experiences help inspire me when designing furniture.
- How do your pieces harmonise between Japanese and Brazilian cultures?
- Many Japanese traditions are completely opposite to those in Brazil, but there are some similarities such as shifts towards sustainability. People recognise that durable and comfortable furniture reduces wood usage.
Morito Ebine is a master artisan: he began his career in 1995 and he started teaching in 2015
Where
Morito Ebine
