The world's only Christmas tree, a collaboration between French paper artist Marianne Guery, mold engraver Takeshi Nishimura of Kyoto's Nishimura Yuzen Sculpture Shop, and Takeo Fine Paper, is on display in the 51st floor lobby area of the Andaz Tokyo in Toranomon, Tokyo, until December 25th.

Marianne Guery has created numerous paper craft works, including spatial installations for Hermès, Dior, and Cartier. She also recently created a cherry blossom display using Takeo's Western paper for the "Beauty and Flower Play" event held at SHISEIDO THE GINZA in March 2015.

The project began when Marianne stayed at the Andaz Tokyo in April 2015 and was approached by the hotel's general manager, Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry, who asked her, "Why not try making a Christmas tree this winter?" This time, the tree was unveiled using "Vintage Gold," a fine paper from the world-renowned Takeo brand. It's made of unbleached kraft paper coated with gold powder and treated with persimmon tannins. Each piece is meticulously carved by Nishimura, featuring motifs of traditional Japanese animals like owls and deer, as well as pine nuts. Marianne then laser-cut the pieces into star and round shapes to create the individual pieces. Combining cutting-edge Japanese technology with traditional techniques and a modern French sensibility, the tree is bathed in a delicate, soft light that cannot be achieved with electric lights, creating a unique, warm atmosphere. A commemorative event was held on November 27th to celebrate the tree's unveiling as part of Andaz Tokyo's regular participatory social event, "Andaz Salon." The event was attended by Marianne Guerry, who was visiting Japan, along with Takeo Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takeo Tadashi, Nishimura Takeshi of Nishimura Yuzen Carving, and Andaz Tokyo General Manager Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry.

"The roots of Christmas trees can be found in the Alsace region in northeastern France, where it is said that the custom began when people began hanging apples from fir trees to decorate their homes," said Marianne. "Paper is the source of my creativity, and Takeo's paper from Japan is particularly excellent and is essential to my creative work. I've also always been a big fan of stencil paper, and even collect it. This is a dream collaboration that has come true." The venue also showcased a collection of stencil paper that Marianne brought with her from her home country during her visit to Japan. Nishimura also gave a demonstration of Yuzen carving.