tokujin yoshioka mimics the flow of water in fountain low tables for glas italia

japanese designer tokujin yoshioka has presented during milan design week a collection of round low tables wisely-named ‘fountain’ for glas italia. the precious and poetic crystal clear pieces have resulted from the intersection of murano’s glass craftsmanship and other industrial process. with the idea of reproducing the poetry of water flowing from a spring, the tables showcase changing rivulets and glittering sparkles that freeze a moment in time.

tokujin yoshioka presented his ‘fountain’ for glas italia at issey miyake’s flagship store in milan
image © designboom

the manufacturing process of tokujin yoshioka’s ‘fountain’ for glas italia starts with a disc-shaped sheet of glass which is later on transformed into a three dimensional vase giving a structure to a mass of glass. ‘this process creates a form of unexpectedness, and gives expressions to manufactured products different one by one,’ says yoshioka. ‘it expresses water flow reborn as a fountain and for the form only uncontrolled nature can create.’ the vase shape is topped with another glass surface that fits the opening in an imperfect yet quite accurate way. this lid can be taken on and off, allowing the table to filled, suggesting storage. 

the collection showcases a blend between craftsmanship and industrial processes
image © designboom

set within issey miyake’s flagship store — also designed by tokujin yoshioka — in milan, the installation where ‘fountain’ was presented showcased not only the pieces but also part of the process. the moulds used to create the ‘fountain collection’ were exhibited next to a video revealing the creation method. this later one shows the craftsmanship behind the collection that, although simple in color and shape, glistens through the light.

the concept of the design was to recreate the way water falls down in fountains

the collection uses different moulds, including one for the base and another for the table top

the circular glass disc is later on formed into the irregular vase
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forming the circular glass

tools used to craft the fountain collection
image © designboom

‘fountain’ freezes water into crystal

the installation aimed to reveal the process behind the creation 
image © designboom

the collection is comprised of four different tables in different sizes

the crystal-clear pieces glisten thanks to light
image © designboom

top view detail

mirrors under the glass boxes supporting the pieces enlarged the site where they were exhibited
image © designboom

the result is unexpected and difficult to replicate  

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