The MASS Series "SUMI LIMITED" features a contrast between different materials, combining a steel frame with charred cedar inspired by the "inky black" landscape of Aso's annual Noyaki.
This series was conceived with a view to gaining a deeper understanding of Noyaki, a tradition serving as one of the mainstays of Aso's scenery. This tradition has preserved Aso's majestic scenery for over a thousand years, forging deep bonds among the locals. In the history behind this landscape, created by people and nature over the centuries, one can find a hint to a rich and fulfilling life.
"SUMI LIMITED" is designed to express the unique Aso experience, where people and nature co-exist and press on together in a majestic yet harsh volcanic environment, along with the seeds of life sprouting from the "inky black" world of Noyaki.
What is noyaki?
▪️The landscape of Aso Noyaki is a millennium old tradition in Aso to preserve the grasslands. The landscape of Aso grasslands is a symbol of the human relationship with nature. Locals have been maintaining and using the grasslands to undertake sustainable farming and agriculture in volcanic lands.
▪️Nature and humans Without Noyaki, Aso grasslands would become overgrown with bushes and the biodiversity native to Aso will be at risk. Noyaki exterminates destructive insects and helps new shoots on their upward journey above ground. Aso’s stunning landscape and rich habitats exist in partnership between humans and nature.
▪️A profound relationship Noyaki takes place here in Minami-Oguni town, where FIL is based and with the FIL staff partaking. We feel it is important to experience the tradition and continue to reflect on what it means to live with nature. We also value fostering relationships with local communities and commit to treasure this nature for our next generation and thereafter.
About - SUMI LIMITED -
▪️Charred inky black represents the culture Cedar is charred to gain glossiness and organic feature with defined grains. Charred colour reminds us of noyaki. It represents Aso's history and beauty of harmonic lifestyle with nature.
▪️Elegant design The series uses steel frame and generously planed-down cedar. What makes this series so special and profound is that the best part of old cedar trees is used and prepared by skilled woodcraft men. Clean-cut design with smoothly planed cedar and elegantly prepared steel frame urges you to touch and feel it. The series fits in any space or set-up you can think of.
▪️Unique texture created by charred cedar It is a traditional method to charred cedar to make durable furniture. The process involves skills and experience to bring out cedar’s defined grains just right. This is what produces the unique texture and rare finish to the furniture.
