Shoehorn
Oki Sato of Nendo designed this shoehorn for Maruni as an object that withholds its identity. Its sculptural form reads as pure form until the moment of use, when its purpose becomes clear.
The design pays quiet homage to the origins of the shoehorn itself. The word refers to the animal horns once carved and shaped into the tool, and the shearing gesture of this piece echoes that history without illustrating it directly.
- Carved from a single block of solid maple, preserving the continuity of the wood grain across both parts
- Two components held together by an embedded neodymium magnet, separating cleanly with one hand
- Weighted base provides stability while the functional element lifts away effortlessly
Maruni has practiced precision woodworking in Hiroshima since 1928, applying industrial exactness to craft traditions that reward close attention. This piece is a considered object for a considered space.
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Shoehorn
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Warranty
Luminaire is an authorized retailer of Maruni. The product comes with a full manufacturer warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wood is the Nendo shoehorn made from?
The shoehorn is carved from a single block of solid maple. Carving both components from one block preserves the continuity of the wood grain across the entire object, giving it the appearance of a unified sculptural form.
How do the two parts of the shoehorn connect?
An embedded neodymium magnet holds the two components together. The magnet is strong enough to keep the object intact at rest, yet the functional element separates cleanly with one hand when needed.
Who is Oki Sato and what is his relationship with Maruni?
Oki Sato is the Canadian-Japanese designer and founder of the Tokyo-based studio Nendo, widely recognized for work that conceals its concept until a moment of quiet revelation. His collaboration with Maruni reflects a shared commitment to precision craft and restrained form.
What is Maruni's background in woodworking?
Maruni was founded in Hiroshima in 1928 and is regarded as Japan's foremost artisan wood manufacturer. The company applies industrial precision to traditional craft methods, producing objects and furniture whose quality reveals itself through sustained use.
Is this shoehorn purely functional or also decorative?
The design is intentionally ambiguous. At rest, the object reads as sculpture; its weighted base gives it presence on a shelf or entry console. The functional dimension only becomes apparent when the two components are separated for use.
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