sugao contemporary japanese design at merci

the ‘sugao’ exhibition by french concept shop merci showcases works of contemporary japanese design, including this soy sauce dipping dish

featuring over 200 works of innovative japanese design, the fall exhibition of french concept shop merci is organized around the japanese concept of ‘sugao’, translated as ‘true face’ or ‘as it is’ (from the word ‘su‘ meaning ‘unadorned’ and signifying an appreciation of simplicity’, and ‘gao‘ meaning face’).

the exhibition, which runs from september 9th to 25th, 2011 at the merci storefront in paris, marks the first time the products are on display in europe.

the shop curators explain: ‘merci wants to share its vision of the japanese design of today ‘as it is’ and not ‘as we think’ it should be. no nostalgia, no folkloric items; but design ideas for everyday: useful and smart.‘

the sphere is composed of stackable serving dishes

servingware

utensils

additional pieces in the exhibition

fold-up end table