An exploration of organic materials and natural shapes inspired the development of Roots. The highly gnarled root of a bamboo culm drove the concept of moving through earth – the relentless energy of a root to force its way through even the most impenetrable earth.

From the exterior of this kobako, the root “burrows down” through a plank of aromatic Alaskan yellow cedar only to make a sharp turn upward and re-emerge above ground again. Framing and contrasting these earthen elements is a refined book cloth with a smooth brown/green reed-like pattern from a vintage kimono. The interior uses an ethereal blue and cream pattern, taken from the same kimono’s lining — a perfect play between raw and refined.