In Focus | Chushin Kobo

Exploring the enduring work of Chushin Kobo and Hisanori Masuda’s vision for a “new tradition”, where Japanese casting techniques are reinterpreted through contemporary design and everyday use.

2026

In Focus | Chushin Kobo

Founded in 1997 by designer Hisanori Masuda, Chushin Kobo is a Japanese casting studio dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship while reimagining it for contemporary living. Rooted in centuries-old metalworking techniques, the studio creates objects that bring quiet beauty, functionality, and enduring quality into everyday life.

Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1949, Masuda studied fine arts and industrial design at Musashino Art University under the guidance of Professor Mosuke Yoshitake. Following his studies, he worked closely with Yoshitake as an assistant, contributing to projects focused on revitalising regional industries through thoughtful, design-led innovation. This experience profoundly shaped Masuda’s creative philosophy and his belief that traditional craft should not remain fixed in the past, but continue to evolve alongside modern life.

Working primarily in iron, aluminium, and bronze, Masuda designs and oversees the production of each piece himself. The studio’s collections draw on the rich textures, organic forms, and tactile qualities of Japanese casting, pairing them with clean contemporary silhouettes suited to modern interiors and outdoor spaces alike. From incense holders and vases to kettles and sculptural objects, each piece reflects a deep respect for material and process.

Rather than reproducing tradition unchanged, Chushin Kobo seeks to establish what Masuda describes as a “new tradition”, one where historic craft techniques continue to find relevance and meaning in contemporary homes. The result is a body of work that feels timeless yet distinctly modern: objects designed not only to be admired, but to be used and lived with for years to come.

As London Craft Week celebrates makers and craftsmanship from around the world, we’re pleased to highlight the enduring work of Chushin Kobo.

Discover Chushin Kobo.

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In Focus | Chushin Kobo

In Focus | Chushin Kobo

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