Tradition meets modernity: Ritzwell at the Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei

Ritzwell’s ability to capture the beauty of both Japanese tradition and modernity was noticed by the esteemed Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei, where RENS, the creative team of Japanese studio Nomura, blended concepts from traditional Kyoto Higashiyama culture with a new era of Kyoto craft curated by artisanal collective the GO ON project.

Ryutaro Matsuura, RENS creative director, was drawn to the crafted nature of Ritzwell’s furniture to complement: 'I believe that a dignity of things is born when they are built up with care, one by one. I sense that dignity in Ritzwell’s furniture.'

The holistic experience of craft begins with the kanaamitsuji lampshades and sculpted yosemuneyane roofs of the hotel lobby. Here, Ritzwell’s Claude upholstered chair expresses the same tranquil nobility, with wooden armrests and legs reminiscent of shapes from ancient Buddhist stone-carvings. In the guest rooms, the Blava chair with its lattice woven leather back brings modern comfort to the Shugakuin Imperial Villa-inspired interiors.

The French-Japanese fusion restaurant, Nouvelle Epoque, features bamboo shelving and views of the Okazaki Betsuin Temple garden. Here, Ritzwell’s Marcel dining chair with its crescent-shaped backrest was chosen: 'Its all-encompassing curves harmonise the space while adding rhythm,' says Matsuura.

'We strove for design that feels gently extraordinary, while in harmony with the natural environment. Comfort and stimulation, the everyday and the extraordinary, functionality and design. Ritzwell presents an excellent balance,' says Matsuura.

Architecture: Mitsubishi Jisho Design Inc.
Design: Nomura Co., Ltd. / RENS Ryutaro Matsuura
www.rens-design.jp
Photos © Nacasa & Partners

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