Seasons by Nao Tamura

This year, Milan design week is stronger than ever. Designer Nao Tamura, has won 1st Premio of Salone Satellite Award. The innovative creation is called Seasons, a serving container made of silicone.

"Seasons" an interpretation of functional kitchen and serving ware, inspired by nature and technology, through the cultural lens of Japan.

"In the land where I grew up, spring is a time when Japanese sweets come wrapped in cherry leaves."

Like a real leaf, each serving dish is flexible and multi-purpose. It rolls up for storage using the benefits of silicone to insure its use in an oven or microwave, able to withstand repeated dishwasher cleaning.

Made from silica sand, silicone is the raw ingredient that ceramic and glass are made from. Compared to glass, very little energy is needed to create and produce silicone. Long-lasting, unbreakable and chip-resistant, lightweight and flexible, it can be compressed for very economical shipping.

Each leaf enjoys its own shape, stackable in its open state, and in multiples, creating a sculptural display of serving art-ware.

"In summer, a fiery ripe tomato is carved out for use as a serving container.

In autumn, fallen foliage from maple tress decorates the dinner table. And, the aroma of bamboo helps create the setting for winter.

Just as winter is followed by spring, there are things that wither and are those born anew. Both truisms run deep and are able to move us from our core.

Is this the cycle that dictates life on Earth?"

Contributing Editor- NJD