Mikado: A Playful Fusion of Art and Function

Joao Faria's Award-Winning Furniture Line Evokes Childhood Memories

Joao Faria's inspiration for Mikado came from the nostalgia of his own childhood. He wanted to create a line of furniture that would not only serve a functional purpose but also evoke a sense of joy and playfulness. The result is a collection that is as much a conversation piece as it is a functional piece of furniture. Each piece in the Mikado line is designed to bring a smile to the viewer's face, reminding them of simpler times and the joy of play.

Despite its playful appearance, Mikado is a testament to the complexity of design and craftsmanship. The furniture pieces, reminiscent of Mikado sticks, are constructed from tubes of steel, copper, and brass, cut at precise angles and fitted with great accuracy. The design is further enhanced by a delicate pattern on the top surface of each piece, combining different types of wood and metals according to the client's taste and imagination.

Mikado is handcrafted by artisans using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The process involved the development of new tools and techniques to cut the steel and wood at the precise angles required by the design. The main materials used in the line are combinations of wood, such as ash and dark zebrano, cherry and ebony, walnut and light zebrano, and metals like steel, copper, and brass.

The Mikado line includes a dining table, a console table, a grand table, a nightstand, a display case, and a side table. Each piece is delivered fully assembled in wooden crates. The heights of the sticks can be adjusted and used plain or, if you remove the stick caps, as a vase for flowers. The grand table and the display case can also be used in commercial settings, like a hotel or a store, to display important objects.

The design of Mikado began in March 2017, in Porto, Portugal. After several prototypes and the development of special tools to ensure the right quality and feel, the line was ready for production in December 2017. The final models were concluded in early January 2018 and presented at Maison et Objet in Paris the same year. The design was awarded Silver in A' Furniture Design Award in 2018, a testament to its creative and technical excellence.

In conclusion, Joao Faria's Mikado is more than just a line of furniture. It is a connection to our past, a reminder of the joy of play, and a standout piece that refuses to blend into the background. It is, in essence, a celebration of the power of design to evoke emotions, tell stories, and create unique experiences.