ARCHITECTURE, Decor, Decorador, Interiorista

Luxury Villa In Marbella

The name Marbella evokes thoughts of sunny days spent on the beach or golf course, opulent yachts moored in the marina, opulent beachfront resort hotels, villas tucked into the folds of the hillside, and nights brimming with the glitz and excitement of a Mediterranean jet set destination for millions of people around the world. But in recent years, moving to this opulent resort town has also become increasingly popular. If you’re looking for inspiration to fulfil your luxury villa with exclusively designed pieces in Marbella, you can’t miss this Inspiration & Ideas article with an amazing project by Sandra Kurasz from Salanora Interior Design Studio and Raúl Vera from Marbella Studio.

Professionals of all types of careers are attracted to Marbella by the quality of life, the variety of services, and, even more, the chance to make a living outside in the sun. Marbella’s stylish marinas, boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs provide a refined Riviera lifestyle that is complemented by country clubs, first-rate sporting venues, and a variety of specialized services. Together, they offer a privileged environment that an increasing number of individuals are choosing to call home.

Costa del Sol’s love affair with sleek white modern architectural styles began to evolve. After almost ten years of avant-garde cubist domination, occasionally accompanied by minimalist colour tones and interior décor, a softening of lines began to enter the scene. Also, both Salanora & Marbella Studios are specialized in luxury and contemporary interior design. This living room speaks for itself bringing classic Mediterranean and Andalusian elements by incorporating strong pop of colours and bold pieces, with the classy touch of brighter tones. Boca do Lobo are thrilled to see a curated selection of the most amazing pieces from our brand, like the one-of-a-kind Navarra Center Table, but also Filigree Mirror and Symphony Sideboard.

Navarra Center Table

Step Inside This Luxury Villa In Marbella

Filigree Mirror

It’s clear that they know how to combine classic Mediterranean elements with modern architectural styling and sleek contemporary interior design works extremely well, even if it requires more creativity and know-how. That, after all, is where architects, landscapers and interior designers have their opportunity to shine. This villa means a pleasant return to richer tonal and textural palettes, and more welcoming natural materials such as stone, contrasting with more industrial elements like brass. It’s really easy to associate these interiors with Marbella vibes, right? Golden tones remind the sand and blue tones remind the ocean, we can almost feel the peace inside this room. One of the most important aspects of interior design is lighting and Hera Round I Suspension Lamp fits perfectly in the scenario.

Hera Round I Suspension Lamp

Valencia Rug by Rug’Society

Looking at this living room from this perspective, we can see they created the perfect balance between bold and classic furniture pieces. Which piece do you think stands out the most? We know our answer!

Symphony Sideboard

Eden Side Table

Cassia Modular Sofa by Caffe Latte

Newton Suspension Lamp

Marbella has long been known for its vibrant, international social scene, summer parties, and filled calendar of glitzy events, but it is also becoming more and more focused on culture and entertainment. Fine Arts Societies organize classes in art appreciation and trips to local galleries, theatres, and concert halls. This can perfectly reflect how you decorate your house with artsy vibes, using both great paintings or in form of exclusively designed pieces to create a unique atmosphere. Marbella is obviously related to nature, so what is better than having an Eden Center Table? A statement design piece which incorporates nature-inspired design.

Eden Center Table

Odette Sofa

Marble has found its way throughout the years and has become a popular element in our interiors, both as an accessory, floor, wall covering or in the shape of glamorous furniture pieces! Invoking notions of high-end living and affluence, marble speaks to refined taste and discernment. Ideal as a statement piece, the contemporary feel of Pietra is effortlessly stylish.

Pietra Pedestal

Pietra Oval XL Nero Marquina Dining Table

Pixel Cabinet

This vivid interior combines pieces like Pixel Cabinet, Halo Mirror and Newton Chandelier and looks so good that we wouldn’t change a thing.

Newton Chandelier

Halo Mirror

Your master bedroom serves as your haven. It is important to think about the interior design of your room because it’s a private and intimate environment that is the answer to all of your sleeping and relaxing needs. By sticking to a neutral colour scheme, such as white, cream and grey, you can up the feeling of luxury. Besides this feeling, this space looks really cosy and warm. Of course, we can’t and, also, don’t want to ignore the bold details all around this place. Golden hues took place in the shape of amazing pieces like Lapiaz Headboard, but also Wave Nightstand and Robin Mirror.

Lapiaz Headboard

Wave Nightstand

A welcome entrance in the bedroom immediately sets the tone for a relaxing moment. This one is lavish and intended to wow. Your master bedroom is more than a bed and this one sure is. Add a stylish seat, yet comfortable enough to sit on while taking off your shoes or reading a book.

Robin Mirror

Playing with heights? Yes, please! Using objects with varying heights will keep the eye moving and create more visual appeal. In good design, the eyes should dance from one piece to another, never getting stuck at one level. Fortuna Center Table is the ultimate detail to complete this amazing master bedroom.

Fortuna Center Table

How Inspiring Is This Luxury Villa?

The #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard bridges Swiss luxury watchmaking and Japanese street fashion

Just in time to herald the impending Year of the Rabbit, Franck Muller and Tokyo-based streetwear label #FR2 have jointly unveiled the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard. This marks the first collaboration between the two brands, and sees Franck Muller adopting the distinctive design language of #FR2 on its trademark Vanguard watch. The result is an edgy, fashion-forward timepiece with a dial anchored by #FR2’s iconoclastic rabbit motif, sitting a mid the signature numerals and tonneau case of Franck Muller.

The #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard bridges Swiss luxury watchmaking and Japanese street fashion by melding the elements from each universe, complete with its creators’ signature touches. This is immediately apparent on the dial, where Franck Muller’s timeless yet avant-garde aesthetic has taken on street style sensibilities. A matte white dial base starts things off by establishing a high key aesthetic, upon which black hands, markings, and appliqué indices lie.

The high contrast, monochromatic look comes complete with a delightful quirk at seven o’clock. Here, Franck Muller has situated #FR2’s provocative Fxxking Rabbits motif in lieu of hour markers, with one rabbit’s red eye providing the sole spot of colour on the dial. In the dark, the #FR2NCKMULLER Vanguard also offers an idiosyncratic twist. Super-Luminova has been selectively applied such that the skeletonised obelisk hands, indices and graphical motif leap out from the dial in the absence of light.

The stark, bold design extends to the rest of the watch. This includes Franck Muller’s tonneau-shaped Vanguard case, which has been rendered in a new carbon and glass fibre composite – a first for the brand, and one that will be reserved for Southeast Asia – exclusive models only. To create the light yet strong material, carbon powder and glass fibres are combined, before the resulting mass is impregnated with a bonding resin. The mixture is then baked at 150 degrees Celsius for three hours under 200 tons of pressure, to finally yield a composite that can then be machined into the necessary components. Due to random variations in how the mix are compressed, every watch case will offer a unique pattern of striations. The final touch here is the white nylon strap, which has been emblazoned with black text in a typographic style that will be familiar to street fashion aficionados.

Franck Muller’s work with #FR2 is a rare example of the Swiss watchmaker’s collaboration with external brands, which has been limited to a small, select group of partners. “#FR2’s founder Ryo Ishikawa isn’t just an iconic figure in Tokyo’s streetwear scene,” shares Sharon Lim, CEO of Franck Muller SEA. “As the creative force behind Fxxking Rabbits, he has adopted a muti-disciplinary approach to his label’s creations while maintaining a fiercely independent spirit. These are values that we believe in and identify with at Franck Muller, which makes this Southeast Asia Exclusive a natural collaboration. Of course, the product that we have come up with speaks to that.”

The #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard is a limited edition of 800 pieces, and is available across Southeast Asia and Australia since 6 January 2023.

About #FR2

#FR2, also known as Fxxking Rabbits, is the brain child of Ryo Ishikawa, an elder statesman in the world of Japanese street fashion who’s perhaps best known for founding fashion imprint Vanquish. Following its establishment in 2014, #FR2 quickly attracted a following with its signature rabbit and “Smoking Kills” motifs, as well as its products’ bold photographic prints. Along the way, Ishikawahas also set the brand apart with provocative campaign images – which he personally lensed – and tongue-in-cheek approach to fashion. From hoodies and candy-dispensing disposable cameras, the brand offers an eclectic range of apparel and objet d’art that’s arguably the most intimately Ishikawa’s yet.

12 January, 2023/by Maria G

Calzado, Diseñadores, MODA, Modelos, Tendencias

Manolo Blahnik for ELVIS

Manolo Blahnik has partnered with Academy Award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin to create a selection of custom shoes for Baz Luhrmann’s larger-than-life film, Elvis, from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Inspired by existing Manolo Blahnik silhouettes, the shoes can be seen throughout the film on Elvis Presley (played by Austin Butler) and also on Jerry Schilling (played by Luke Bracey), who portrays the artist’s longtime associate. Manolo Blahnik and Martin have partnered together in the past, creating shoes for Luhrmann’s 2001 Oscar-winning film Moulin Rouge!.

© 2022 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved.

“It has been an honor to work with the wonderful Catherine Martin once again,” said Blahnik. “She is a visionary of the costume world and so beautifully brings motion picture to life through her divine creative imagination and originality. I am constantly inspired by cultural movements and music and with Elvis as the muse, these styles were a joy to create! The `50s in general is an era that I am so often drawn to, particularly in my menswear designs, with some of my past and more recent collections inspiring the pieces for the film. I am incredibly grateful to Catherine for including my work in this already iconic film. It has been marvelous, a true privilege.”

Manolo Blahnik designs featured in the film are TUPELO, a black-and-white lace-up inspired by ‘50s menswear, VICTOR, a sleek white calf leather boot, and GRACELAND, a classic toggle desert boot in cappuccino-coloured suede.

“Manolo Blahnik’s brilliance and extraordinary craft is something I have admired for many years,” said Martin. “To work with him and create something unique yet historically truthful was an incredible privilege. To have at one’s disposal such extraordinary Italian ateliers was a luxury, resulting in beautiful, gorgeously crafted shoes. Coincidentally, Manolo Blahnik’s signature spectator lace ups are strikingly similar to the shoes Elvis habitually wore in the mid`50s. The iconic designer’s love of this style serendipitously reflected Elvis’s aesthetic in the 1950s.”

Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS Only in Theaters June 24.

Shop similar styles from the Manolo Blahnik men’s collection to those seen in the new film.

19 July, 2022/by Nico Nico

Architect, ARCHITECTURE, Decor, Decorador, DESTACADOS, houses, Inmobiliaria, Interior design, Interiorista

UDesign | Luxury Home Design – Manhattan Suite Apartment

Eclectic, sophisticated, mature, classical and modern. These are all words that fit the description of the Manhattan Suite Apartment.

The bold colours, the dark wooden floors, the four metre high wooden ceilings and the funky old school style comes together to create an inspiring environment. Based on the principles of simplicity and symmetry the design choices in the living area hint at Neo-classicism.

The artworks carry a theme of faces and add splashes of colour and a sensual mood to the room. The striking (and very realistic) Cavalli wallpaper in the hallway turns a normally boring place into a really interesting space.

The master bedroom has shades of the baroque, especially in the wallpapered panels on both sides of the fireplace and the circular mirror, a little Art Nouveau in the hanging brass lamp and four armchairs, and the rest as minimalist as possible to make the whole thing work.

Luxury Home Design

The minimalist/baroque style carries through to the bathroom, where a full-size statue of Venus de Milo stands beside the window looking in. She likes what she sees: a free-standing bath, a small round table to place the champagne glass, a simple but elegant towel rack and a wine-red stool, all overlooking the wonderful view of the city. The details speak volumes in this superlative bedroom suite.

17 July, 2022/by Carlos

ARCHITECTURE, Decor, Decorador, Interiorista

Luxury Dining Rooms in Dubai: Interior Design Projects

The mesmerizing city of Dubai is home to the most inspiring interior design firms in the Middle East. Prepare to be amazed by these Luxury Dining Rooms, perfect for the Dubai Lifestyle, and take a look at these fascinating interior design projects for Dubai. Be inspired by their exclusivity and sophistication!

Algedra

Algedra is one of the top interior design companies in Dubai and its Interior Design Projects perfectly embrace the city’s luxurious and exclusive lifestyle. Blending modern style, classic and contemporary lines, these smooth dining room projects bring fresh air and an enjoyable ambiance into any house. The perfect luxury dining rooms for your family or friends gathering.

luxury dining rooms in daubi by algedra interior design projects

Obegi Home

Obegi Home is a full-service interior design firm, specializing in luxury residential and commercial interior design projects with offices in Dubai and Beirut. From ground-up construction to smaller decorative installations, the spaces created by Obegi Home are powerful and always entirely unique. Crafting sophisticated and luxurious interiors, this company leaves an enviable statement in all their luxury dining rooms.

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Imperium Group

IMPERIUM is an interior design firm specializing in providing stunning and exceptional interior design services for residential projects in the Middle East region. Their projects include various design styles: contemporary, modern, minimalist, and neoclassic. These inspiring luxury dining rooms, embracing Dubai’s lifestyle, are true examples of great taste and bold design.

Boca do Lobo was founded in 2005 and, early on, it committed to reinterpreting ancient techniques of fine craftsmanship to create unexpected pieces of contemporary design.

luxury dining rooms in dubai by boca do lobo interior design projects

Boca do Lobo‘s interior projects of luxury dining rooms, through its design pieces, carry on the legacy of a bold design language combining luxury with exclusivity – the perfect way to achieve striking interiors that will leave no one indifferent.

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Empire Dining Table

The Empire dining table symbolizes generations of gatherings and decisions, both in times of celebration or tension. Its cracks reflect tough times, revealing a gold interior in a manifesto towards power. Flawless and bright, the remaining surface points towards a thriving future, reminding one to toast to prosperity.

Discover Boca do Lobo’s Empire Center Table, as well as the Fortuna Dining Table for your luxury dining rooms!

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Fortuna Dining Table

Fortuna is a contemporary dining table with a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. A refined statement for the ultimate luxury dining rooms, it represents the essence of empowerment, sophistication, and mystics. The Fortuna features an exclusive gold brass surface for ground-breaking dining rooms.

boca do lobo ready to ship banner luxury dining rooms dubai

16 July, 2022/by Boca do Lobo

Aniversarios, Coches, Concept, Especiales, Superdeportivos

Automobili Lamborghini owners celebrate privilege of Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 ownership

Exclusive customer journey through art and experience

Sant’Agata Bolognese, 6 July 2022 – As the 112 Countach LPI 800-4 owners-to-be around the world start to take delivery of their new cars from April 2022, they are also enjoying a series of exclusive ownership and experiential elements to mark ownership of a car that is one of the most emblematic few-offs in the history of Lamborghini.

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4

Lamborghini’s commitment to the purchasing experience is, as always, more than just waiting for delivery of a new car, and has created a contact program designed to make the customer experience unique and complete.

The 112 owners of the Countach LPI 800-4, which was already sold out before the official launch last August at Pebble Beach, will not only have the privilege of driving a piece of automotive history reinvented for the future, but will also receive a series of special collectors’ item gifts, which make delivery of the car even more memorable. Each item is certified and numbered, celebrating skilled craftsmanship and innovation: the items are not for sale, and are dedicated and delivered exclusively to Countach LPI 800-4 customers.

On signing their order, owners of the Countach LPI 800-4 received a congratulatory letter from Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. A collectors’ item in its own right, the elegant letter’s papermaking techniques feature an intricate interplay of laser-engraved solids and voids, constructing and deconstructing the silhouette of the Countach LPI 800-4, and bearing the CEO’s message of sincere congratulations.

In the initial months of waiting, Countach LPI 800-4 customers received one of 112 numbered replicas of an exclusive painting created, as per tradition, by Mateusz Wowk, exterior designer and artist at Lamborghini’s Centro Stile, led by the Head of Design, Mitja Borkert. With the original work created on a large canvas in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the painting was digitally captured using gigapixel technology: one of the most advanced digital acquisition technologies adopted by museums. The work was then replicated in large format on canvas to reproduce the typical materiality of Mateusz’s brushstrokes and a classic example, typical of Lamborghini, in which art takes shape through ultra-high-tech processes.

Countach LPI 800-4 owners enjoy the further anticipation of receiving further unique items via the Lamborghini dealer network, involving internationally renowned artists as well as Italian artisans who represent the pinnacle of Italian creativity: Lamborghini enthusiasts can also share the pleasure of these works of art, on wheels or otherwise, through the social media posts that Lamborghini owners generously delight in sharing.

11 July, 2022/by Carlos

ARCHITECTURE, Decor, Decorador, Interior design, Interiorista

Stunning Dubai Interior Design Projects by Olsen & Partners

Olsen & Partners is one of the most distinguished Dubai interior design firms. Experts in creating bespoke luxury interiors, their world-class expertise covers a wide range of projects, offering turnkey corporate, commercial, retail, hospitality and luxury residential interior design projects. Discover the best design works by this fascinating Emirati company based in the fascinating city of Dubai!

Luxury Entryways

luxury entryway olsen & partners dubai interior design

These Luxury Entryways by Olsen & Partners are the ultimate invitation card for a world of elegance and refinement. From magnificent stairways to plush armchairs and beautiful chandeliers, how not to be inspired by these stunning modern and contemporary designs?

contemporary luxury entryway by olsen & partners with black piano dubai interior design

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High-End Living Rooms

high end living room by olsen & partners with silver center table dubai interior design

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silver center table dubai interior design

These stunning living room projects by Olsen & Partners, besides having the finest Dubai interior design, count on the presence of the ultimate luxury furniture by Boca do Lobo. The Wave Center Table and the Eden Center Table sit proudly in the middle of these luxury living rooms, acting as the center piece and focal point in the room.

luxury living room by olsen & partners with golden center table dubai interior design

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golden center table dubai interior design

The Glance Mirror also marks its presence in the interior design project below, where its unique contemporary design will certainly grab your attention in this living room boasting a sublime Dubai interior design.

luxury living room by olsen & partners with silver center table dubai interior design

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eclectic golden mirror boca do lobo dubai interior design

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ULTIMATE DESIGN BOOK

modern and contemporary rooms ebook boca do lobo banner dubai interior design

Elegant Living Rooms

elegant dining room by olsen & partners dubai interior design

These luxury dining rooms by Olsen & Partners present new levels of luxury and exclusiveness, where unparalleled great taste is shown in every detail, and every luxury furniture piece perfectly belongs in these luxury interiors. On the image below, two Metamorphosis Dining Tables and various Nº 11 Chairs set the tone for remarkable and unforgettable dinner parties.

luxury dining room by olsen & partners with large dining table dubai interior design

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golden chair boca do lobo dubai interior design — Nº 11 Chair – Get Price

wooden dining table dubai interior design — Metamorphosis Dining Table – Get Price

Exclusive Bedrooms

contemporary bedroom project by olsen & partners dubai interior design

These elegant bedroom projects by Olsen & Partners are the finest examples of contemporary Dubai interior design taken to new heights of luxury and sophistication. The comfort felt in these bedrooms exceeds any expectations and invites you into a fascinating world of relaxation. Do you feel inspired?

dark modern bedroom by olsen & partners dubai interior design

Inspired By The Look

black and gold headboard dubai interior design

19 May, 2022/by ineves

Architect, ARCHITECTURE, DESTACADOS, Inmobiliaria

Insula Properties – Avant-garde architecture in unique locations

Insula Properties was founded to create unrivaled sites. Ideal locations in which to build dreams. Because the perfect spot deserves unique, sustainable and timeless projects, where design
elevates the living experience to a lifestyle. Distinguished residential houses in privileged sittings, an investment for the future.

02_-VIZ20-08_PalmaMallorca_General_F_aran-2

Equipo Ínsula Properties

With the aim of fostering state-of-the-art architecture in unique locations, Pro.ces (founded by Udo Fuhrmann and Dennis Isenburg), and Jose Barea Arquitectos join forces to launch Insula
Properties, thus combining the extensive experience of a developer and consultant on international projects and the vision of an architecture studio based on brilliance and excellence.

Pro.ces GmbH, based in Emdem (Germany), has long been developing construction projects. For various construction projects, pro.ces GmbH can rely on a broad partner network as well as
many years of experience in the construction industry. Experience that is transferred to the construction projects carried out, be it in residential and commercial construction, in the elderly
care sector, or listed buildings. This allows projects to be carried out reliably, on time and with a high architectural and construction quality.

On the other hand, Jose Barea Arquitectos, integrates a team of professionals connected by a common goal: to create spaces in which to enhance quality of life and to inspire other architects
and generations. Every architectural concept is studied and refined repeatedly, driven by the desire to generate buildings that are as functionally efficient as visually stunning.

14 May, 2022/by Rubén

ARCHITECTURE, Decor, Decorador, Interior design, Interiorista

Luxury Interior Design Projects in Riyadh – Marshanah Interiors

Marshanah Interiors is an Interior Design company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This wonderful company is working on Luxury Furniture, Decoration, and Interior Design business activities. They are experts in creating stunning residential interior design projects – discover this selection of their finest work, which will certainly dazzle you!

Modern Dining Room

luxury riyadh dining room interior design projects

This modern dining room presents the ideal setting for an important dinner, where the luxury furniture pieces, brimming with luxury and elegance, set the tone for exquisite moments of grandeur.

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Contemporary Family Hall

luxury riyadh living room interior design projects

High-End Family Hall

These interior design projects for modern luxury living rooms are the epitome of refinement and good taste, boasting incredible luxury furniture with a profound sense of splendour and elegance.

Family Living Room in Private Residence

luxury rooms ebook boca do lobo interior design projects

Luxury Living Room

Modern Master Bedroom Sitting

Luxurious Master Bedroom

luxury riyadh bedroom interior design projects

This interior design project consists of an elegant bedroom with an incredible relaxing atmosphere, providing the utmost comfort and the best luxury experience to its occupants.

remarkable projects boca do lobo interior design projects

Luxury Living Room in Private Residence

elegant riyadh living room interior design projects

High-End Sitting Area in Private Residence

Looking for a similar look for your home? Discover these luxury furniture pieces:

Newton Chandelier

golden chandelier boca do lobo interior design projects

Odette Sofa

white sofa boca do lobo interior design projects

Broadway Side Table

wooden side table interior design projects

hera round suspension lamp boca do lobo interior design projects

19 April, 2022/by Rubén

ART, COLECCIONISMO, Descubrimientos, Escultura, Especial, EVENTOS, Exhibitions, Exposiciones

ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST – Japan: Courts and Culture – The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Japan: Courts and Culture: The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

This exhibition explores British royal encounters with Japan over a period of 350 years.

From samurai armour sent to James I in 1613, to a Coronation gift for HM The Queen in 1953, Japanese treasures have reached the British Court through trade, travel and treaties.

Each object on display reflects materials and techniques particular to Japan. Uniquely, many were commissioned or presented by the Japanese Imperial Family. Together, they reveal the ceremonial, diplomatic and artistic exchange linking the two courts of East and West.

… an exquisite, intricate, truly diverting parade of treasures ★★★★

THE TELEGRAPH

The Royal Collection holds some of the most significant examples of Japanese art and design in the western world. For the first time, highlights from this outstanding collection are brought together to tell the story of 300 years of diplomatic, artistic and cultural exchange between the British and Japanese royal and imperial families. The exhibition includes rare pieces of porcelain and lacquer, samurai armour, embroidered screens and diplomatic gifts from the reigns of James I to Her Majesty The Queen. Together, they offer a unique insight into the worlds of ritual, honour and artistry linking the courts and cultures of Britain and Japan.

Japan: Courts and Culture: The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham PalaceJapan: Courts and Culture: The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace

Explore the Exhibition

Description

This splendid and understated armour was sent to James I of England by Tokugawa Hidetada, third son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ruled as the second shōgun of the Tokugawa dynasty from 1605 to 1623. Some sources have suggested that the armour may once have been owned by Takeda Katsuyori (1546 – 82), a daimyō who had fought, and lost, against Tokugawa Ieyasu at the Battle of Tenmokuzan in 1582.

The armour is of the body-wrapped (dōmaru) type, which hinges around the body and fastens on the right. The ‘pumpkin-shaped’ helmet (akodanari kabuto) is signed by Iwai Yozaemon, one of the main armourers to the ruling Tokugawa family. Armours by Iwai Yozaemon in other European royal collections indicate that this was a popular diplomatic gift from the Tokugawa family, easily available from a regular and reliable source.

The helmet has a very wide, almost flat neck guard (shikoro), small turn-backs (fukikaeshi) and visor (mabizashi) decorated in gold lacquer with stylised clouds. The akodanari helmet has prominent vertical rivet lines and is lacquered black. A raised area at the back of the helmet bowl may have been designed to accommodate the chonmage, the samurai hairstyle which consisted of a shaved pate with the hair oiled and tied at the back of the head in a queue. This distinctive form of helmet was extremely popular during the Muromachi period (1392–1573) and the traditional style would have appealed to the Tokugawa family who were conservative in their tastes. The face-mask (sōmen) has a fearsome appearance, although the whiskers have possibly been trimmed over the years.

Much of the armour is laced in red and blue silk in a chequerboard pattern. The lamellae (kozane) are individual pieces of iron lacquered and laced together – a technique known as hon-kozane (‘true’ kozane), which creates a more flexible armour.

Continuing the conservative style, the shoulder guards (sode) are very large for an armour of this period. The solid iron upper areas of the cuirass (dō) are decorated with gold lacquer dragons whose red lacquer tongues chase stylised clouds, possibly symbolising the Buddhist pearl of enlightenment, on a black lacquer ground. The rims (fukurin) and other metal fittings are of engraved and pierced shakudō and gilt-copper alloy. Interestingly, the small fittings to secure the cuirass have a discreet motif of a paulownia (kiri) leaf, an imperial symbol later adopted by the Tokugawa family. The sleeves (kote) are decorated in a similar fashion and have fine, though faded, silk with auspicious motifs and areas of iron mail. The greaves (suneate) are decorated with further stylised clouds in gold lacquer on black.

Text adapted from Japan: Courts and Culture (2020).

Provenance

Sent to James I by Shōgun Tokugawa Hidetada, 1613

This is one of the ‘two varnished armours’ given to Captain John Saris of the East India Company at Edo on 19 September 1613. Saris returned to Plymouth with the gifts in September 1614, but no account of their delivery to James I survives. The pair were almost certainly the first Japanese armours to arrive in Britain. By the mid-seventeenth century, they appear to have been separated, for only one was recorded at the Tower of London in 1660. The present armour was stored in a lacquer box in the Armoury at St James’s Palace, where it was inventoried in 1649–51 by the Commonwealth government for the posthumous sale of Charles I’s possessions. At that time, it was described as an ‘Indian Armor’ and purchased by Major Bas on 23 October 1651 for £10.

Following the Interregnum, the armour was returned to the Royal Collection, but confusion about both pieces’ provenance abounded. The armour at the Tower was for example described in 1662 as a present to Charles II ‘from the Emperor Mougul’, in India. As late as 1916, the present armour was confused with another in the Royal Armouries which had in fact been given to Philip II of Spain in 1585. At that time, it was in reality mounted on the wall of the Grand Vestibule at Windsor Castle, with other Japanese items from the Royal Collection.

Source & Photos: ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST

16 April, 2022/by Maria G

Tag Archive for: design

Luxury Villa In Marbella

Valencia Rug by Rug’Society

Cassia Modular Sofa by Caffe Latte

See also: Salone del Mobile 2023: 20 Top Brands You Can’t Miss In Milan

See also: Get To Know The Best Interior Designers From United Arab Emirates (Part I)!

How Inspiring Is This Luxury Villa?

See also: Discover Casa BL: A Contemporary Interior Design by Ashley Gadeova

The #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard bridges Swiss luxury watchmaking and Japanese street fashion

#FR2NCK MULLER VANGUARD

Manolo Blahnik for ELVIS

UDesign | Luxury Home Design – Manhattan Suite Apartment

Eclectic, sophisticated, mature, classical and modern. These are all words that fit the description of the Manhattan Suite Apartment.

Luxury Home Design

Algedra

Obegi Home

Imperium Group

Get The Look!

Get The Look!

Automobili Lamborghini owners celebrate privilege of Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 ownership

Luxury Entryways

High-End Living Rooms

SEE ALSO: 6 Luxury Furniture Pieces Perfect For Dubai’s Lifestyle

Elegant Living Rooms

Get The Look!

Exclusive Bedrooms

Insula Properties – Avant-garde architecture in unique locations

Luxury Interior Design Projects in Riyadh – Marshanah Interiors

Modern Dining Room

Contemporary Family Hall

High-End Family Hall

Family Living Room in Private Residence

Luxury Living Room

Modern Master Bedroom Sitting

Luxurious Master Bedroom

Luxury Living Room in Private Residence

High-End Sitting Area in Private Residence

Looking for a similar look for your home? Discover these luxury furniture pieces:

Japan: Courts and Culture: The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace

… an exquisite, intricate, truly diverting parade of treasures ★★★★

Explore the Exhibition

Description

Provenance