The Art of Giving | Visit from Japan

Gratitude

One of the greatest gifts that comes with our work is meeting fascinating people from around the world. This past week we had the pleasure of a distinguished visit from Japan, facilitated by our partner and good friend Mr. Yasuhisa Kotani. We first met with Ms. Aoi, Ms. Aya, Ms. Fuko, Mr. Nishihira, Mr. Murano, and Mr. Kotani at Art Unlimited in Copenhagen for an engaging conversation about furniture and design.

We then had the great pleasure of welcoming Mr. Nishihira, Mr. Murano, and Mr. Kotani to our production facilities in North Jutland. As always when we host visitors from Japan, their dedication, interest, and understanding for the things we value most were evident, and a thorough review of materials, details, processes, and the thinking behind them, combined with a bit of Danish culture, was a natural part of the visit.

O&D founders, Christian Dyrman and Jasper Overgaard, presented and explained the construction and intent behind O&D’s furniture, but the highlight of this visit was the meeting of warm people and a wonderful culture.

A Piece of Japan

A dear friend of the house, Mr. Yasuhisa Kotani, who first visited us in 2015, always brings a small piece of Japan. This comes both as exquisite gifts, small works of art, and as little tokens of Japanese culture. Over the years Yasu has given us everything from the finest tea caddy and a beautiful teapot to a detailed Japanese knife, playful origami sets, traditional scarves, turned wooden bowls, elegant jars, books, and much more. A hallmark of each gift is exceptional craftsmanship and impeccable presentation.

Matcha Tea Ceremony

This year Yasu brought, in addition to the finest handmade porcelain cups and a local whiskey, an impressive gift: a complete set for performing a Matcha tea ceremony. Yasu, whose mother, Ms. Nobuko, is formally trained in this art of serving, guided every employee through this fascinating process. We are deeply grateful for this experience and, not least, for our long-standing friendship with Mr. Yasuhisa Kotani.