Takafumi Mochizuki

A Japanese master in Florence

• Takafumi is inspired by his adopted city
• He opened his own bottega in 2014
• He’s a master of inlay techniques

Renaissance Florentine tradition meets Oriental art to create a unique and timeless style. Takafumi Mochizuki is the master of this fusion, that is the soul of his craft. Born in Tokyo in 1979, he moved to Florence in 2007 to refine the techniques of wood restoration and inlay. Trained in the workshop of the master craftsman Renato Olivastri, Takafumi launched his Zouganista brand in 2014, choosing the Oltrarno as his base. Over the years, he has worked for commercial brands, designers and private clients, as well as collaborating with other international artists and artisans. His works range from interior design pieces to the production of fashion accessories that he transforms into wearable masterpieces.

Interview

©Marco Pieraccioli

©Roberta Vagliani

What made you to move to Florence?

I wanted to learn the art of wood inlay that in Japan is still unknown. Thanks to my master I acquired the most ancient techniques of woodworking, such as sand burning, a Florentine method to give wood depth, and how to use colla di bue, ox glue.

What does Zouganista mean?

It’s an Italian take on the Japanese term zougan, or inlay, and it symbolises the artistic fusion between two worlds and two different cultures. It’s what I try to accomplish in my artworks.

How do you modernise the inlay technique?

Inlay is the main feature of my works. I try to modernise it by giving objects and furnishing accessories a unique and inimitable design. The secret is to choose the right type of wood to create a contrast of colours and textures.

How do you work on fashion accessories?

Wood is a living material and I take advantage of this. I use inserts of ebony, rosewood and mahogany, alternate with fragments of purpleheart and oak, to give life to my designs and create a thousand colourful shades for shoes, bow ties and other accessories.

Takafumi Mochizuki is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2013

Works

©Shaky

©Shaky

©Zouganista

©Zouganista

Where