Cipango

Gabriel Tan co-curated Ariake's Milan Design Week debut with Hanna Nova Beatrice, transforming Francesco Rota's recently redesigned private apartment in Porta Venezia into an intimate showcase of Japanese craftsmanship meeting European sensibilities.

Named after Marco Polo's 13th-century term for Japan, Cipango introduced Ariake's 2022 collection, made in Italy, for the European market, featuring new furniture by Inga Sempé, Norm Architects, Neri & Hu, Keiji Ashizawa, Zoë Mowat, Note Design Studio, Francesco Rota, and Gabriel Tan himself. The exhibition expanded beyond furniture to include handcrafted design collectibles by Origin Made, lighting by American maestros Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, sound art by Japanese artist Yasuharu Okochi, and works from Scandinavian studios Folkform and Cappelen Dimyr.

United by their appreciation for craft and quality, these collaborators created a harmonious dialogue between cultures and disciplines. Styled by Norwegian-Italian duo Kråkvik & D'Orazio, the residential setting honoured the historical connection between Japan and Italy while celebrating contemporary design excellence rooted in traditional ways of making.

Via Alessandro Tadino 2, Milano | 7-10 June 2022