{"id":2446,"date":"2020-11-02T09:00:58","date_gmt":"2020-11-02T09:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/?p=2446"},"modified":"2020-11-12T12:23:37","modified_gmt":"2020-11-12T12:23:37","slug":"in-praise-of-shadows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/in-praise-of-shadows\/","title":{"rendered":"In Praise of Shadows"},"content":{"rendered":"

The renowned 1933 essay \u2018\u00a0In Praise of Shadows\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2019 by the Japanese author and novelist Jun\u2019ichiro Tanizaki<\/strong>, has been described as \u2018an exercise in mindfulness<\/em>\u2019. Discussing the virtues of shadow and subtlety which imbue traditional Japanese aesthetics, Tanizaki argues that the West, through its appetite for progress,\u00a0is continuously searching for light and clarity which can be harsh and unforgiving, whilst the subdued forms of oriental art represent an underappreciated tranquillity. Furthermore, Tanizaki contemplates the layered tones of various kinds of shadows and their ability to reflect materials with patina and sheen such as gold embroidery and cloudy crystals.<\/p>\n

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The delicacy, softness, and nuances created by such contrast are praised as \u2018understated\u2019 and \u2018natural\u2019 and central to an appreciation of mindfulness.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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As the darker Autumn nights creep in, there is a pull towards embracing dark walls, moody blues, and graphite blacks to create drama and ambiance within both residential <\/strong><\/em>and commercial spaces<\/strong><\/em>. It\u2019s a design trend<\/strong><\/em> which has been playing out for some time and is still going strong \u2013 perhaps for the very reasons that Tanizaki outlined \u2013 the appreciation of contrast and the spectrum of tranquillity that light and shade can bring to the largest and smallest of spaces.<\/p>\n

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\nAt Kassavello, we are constantly exploring how our curated collection of furniture and lighting can be utilized to different effects in a multitude of schemes.
\nThe subtle and often imperfect marriage of light and darkness<\/strong><\/em> is never far from our minds when considering what emotional effect<\/strong><\/em> each piece can have in a different environment.<\/p>\n

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See also:<\/strong> Sophisticated Pastels for Living Room Projects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>Bessa\u2019s Moonlight wall lamp<\/a> epitomizes how decorative lighting can drive dramatic impact through shape, forms, and shadows. Inspired by the moon and the ethereal beauty of moonlight, this stunning hand-polished brass piece is embellished with detailing that recreates the unique features of the moon\u2019s craters. A central section of Portoro marble gives weight and depth whilst creating a pocket for luminescent rays which contrast with the deep dark tones of the stone. When\u00a0assembled against a dark surface, the lamp exudes atmosphere and radiates emotion that interplays between shadow and light.<\/p>\n

If metallic surfaces are reflected and enhanced by\u00a0the contrast of darkness and shadows, then there is no finer example of this than the Pixel Nightstand<\/a>. A harmonious fusion of geometry, the Pixel uses complex joinery, silvering, varnishing, and gold leaf application to create a harmonious and striking design that exudes beauty. Triangular surfaces bounce light around the exterior frame in a unique and exquisite dance of reflection. Place the Pixel against dark tones and contrasting materials and the impact is multiplied tenfold. A striking addition to any master suite. Whilst geometric design creates a balanced dance of light against shaded spaces, more organic forms allude to Tanizaki\u2019s associated passion for \u2018Wabi Sabi\u2019 the joy of imperfection or irregularity.\"\"<\/a>\u00a0The Symphony sideboard<\/strong> is comprised of a cluster of polished brass tubes that envelop an exotic wood structure. Emotionally evocative, the tubes have been placed at irregular heights, reminiscent of a musical tune thereby creating interest and dynamism through the light and shade that is cast from the body of the piece. Equally, at home in a luxurious residential space or a boutique hotel, the Symphony<\/a> is certain to drive impact in any scheme.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe sun never knew how wonderful it was until it fell on the wall of a building\u201d, the architect Louis Khan as quoted by Tanizaki.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\nNo more so is this true than with the Babel wall light<\/a>. An original and exquisite fixture with an unmistakable presence, the Babel<\/strong> is formed of organic crystal glass shards, hung from smooth circular brass rings. Beautiful in any setting but enhanced endlessly when placed against a dark surface where the delicate lines of the crystal ebb and flow and slivers of soft light eke out spaces between the brass structure.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhen we gaze into the darkness that gathers behind the crossbeam, around the flower vase, beneath the shelves, though we know perfectly well it is mere shadow, we are overcome with the feeling that in this small corner of the atmosphere there reigns complete and utter silence; that here in the darkness immutable tranquillity holds sway.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Creating a swathe of shadows and darkness underneath and behind its striking fa\u00e7ade is the indomitable Bonsai table<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"Emulating a crystalized tree silhouette, the Bonsai is at once striking and dramatic in form. Created from particle wood board the palisander veneer is finished with a high gloss varnish. Contrast the table against a light or dark surface and shadows dance and play from every angle. A statement piece that would create the perfect mix of light and shade in any environment.<\/p>\n

To see our full collection of unique pieces or to view some of our bespoke commissions<\/strong><\/a> that have been inspired by Tanizaki<\/a>\u2019s principles, take a look through our website.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019d like to share your own favorites, please do let us know on Instagram Stories at @kassavello \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The renowned 1933 essay \u2018\u00a0In Praise of Shadows\u00a0\u2019 by the Japanese author and novelist Jun\u2019ichiro Tanizaki, has been described as \u2018an exercise in mindfulness\u2019. Discussing the virtues of shadow and subtlety which imbue traditional Japanese aesthetics, Tanizaki argues that the West, through its appetite for progress,\u00a0is continuously searching for light and clarity which can be harsh and unforgiving, whilst the subdued forms of oriental art represent an underappreciated tranquillity. Furthermore, Tanizaki contemplates the layered tones of various kinds of shadows and their ability to reflect materials with patina and sheen such as gold embroidery and cloudy crystals. The delicacy, softness, and nuances created by such contrast are praised as \u2018understated\u2019 and \u2018natural\u2019 and central to an appreciation of mindfulness. As the darker Autumn nights creep in, there is a pull towards embracing dark walls, moody blues, and graphite blacks to create drama and ambiance within both residential and commercial spaces….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2665,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2446"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2446"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2446\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2620,"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2446\/revisions\/2620"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2665"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2446"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2446"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kassavello.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2446"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}