These days, it seems like more people than ever before are interested in creating spaces that allow them to spend their time at home more comfortably and richly. In this issue of [EDITOR'S PICK], we'll be introducing "Picture," a vase from OGUCHI / DESIGN that turns living flowers into "paintings."

Flowers are beautiful in every stage, from when they first bud, to when they bloom, and when they wither.
The "vase" as a device that reflects each moment

OGUCHI / DESIGN "Picture" (¥19,800 including tax)
"Picture" was born from the concept of "transforming living flowers into paintings while they are still alive." The matte white ceramic-like surface is like a canvas. The iconic backdrop was designed to "show off the flowers," and is carved by bending a circular steel plate just 0.8 mm thick.


The front panel, made by bending a circular board smaller than the background panel, holds a glass bottle inside, which is used to hold flowers. It is also easy to change the water and clean. The opening is about the size of a milk bottle, so you can insert a small flower frog to keep the flowers in place.



This vase was designed by Shinya Oguchi, an industrial designer who heads OGUCHI / DESIGN. After graduating from the Department of Design at Osaka University of Arts, Oguchi worked as a corporate designer. He later gained experience at a Danish design firm and established his own design firm in Tokyo in 2016.

Regarding this work, "Picture," Oguchi said:

Artists often paint pictures of flowers. The list goes on and on, from Van Gogh's sunflowers to Monet's water lilies. No two flowers are alike, and their appearance changes depending on their condition. And, above all, people find flowers naturally beautiful. That's why I think they're such an appealing subject for artists. Artists use brushes to fix flowers to canvases, but with this vase, I wanted to be able to paint living flowers while they're still alive.

Currently, Oguchi runs his own label, "Oguchi Design," while also working on product designs for a variety of companies. He is also actively involved in selling his products overseas and exhibiting at Milan Design Week, a global design festival held in Milan, Italy.

He will also be exhibiting at the "Interior Lifestyle Tokyo" exhibition at Tokyo Big Sight, which opens on October 28th, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.