WA: The Essence of Japanese Design

This book presents around 300 works, from everyday objects and packaging to interiors and lighting, that demonstrate a design approach that honours tradition while remaining mindful of the future. It highlights the close connection between design and material, with works organised by type, including wood, bamboo, lacquerware, metalwork, ceramics, glass, stone, paper and textiles.

Featured designers include Yanagi Sōri, Kuramata Shirō, Fukasawa Naoto, Yoshioka Tokujin and more. An essay by Hara Kenya provides further insight, while the Japanese binding, designed by Julia Hasting, adds a distinctive finish.

Rossella Menegazzo is Associate Professor in the Department of Cultural and Environmental Heritage at the University of Milan, and served as Head of the Cultural Sector for Italy’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. She has curated exhibitions including The Floating World. Ukiyoe. Visions from Japan, held in Rome in 2024.

Stefania Piotti holds a BA in East Asian Studies from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, specializing in Japanese textiles. She has worked on exhibitions of Japanese art and edited several related publications.

27.1 × 20. 8 cm
288 pages