The Haoto Collection by Kengo Kuma shone at the Embassy
Czech art and Japanese architecture in glass
On Thursday, October 23, a remarkable event took place at the Czech Embassy in Tokyo, bringing together two worlds – Czech glass art and Japanese architecture. As part of the Czech Statehood celebrations, the Haoto collection, created by the glassworks Květná 1794 in collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, was presented.
The evening was graced by the personal presence of Kengo Kuma himself, who spoke about his inspiration and his relationship with Czech glass. “I wanted the collection to evoke a feeling of calm, intimacy, and quiet contemplation,” he said during his speech. According to him, each piece reflects the connection between humans and nature, while the delicate imprint of a leaf’s veins on the bottom of the glass symbolizes tranquility and the continuity of life.
Kengo Kuma in Czech Republic
The Sound of Leaves in a Japanese Rhythm
The Haoto collection (meaning “sound of leaves” in Japanese) includes seven hand-blown glass objects — from wine, water, and sake glasses to a carafe and vases.
In addition to Kengo Kuma, art directors Klára Janypková and Tomáš Kučera also took part in the design process. Together with the master glassmakers from Květná, they developed an entirely new technique of transferring a leaf relief onto the bottom of the glass. The result is a unique fusion of nature, craftsmanship, and contemporary design.
Japanese architect in czech glass
Tradition in a New Light
“For us, the collaboration with Kengo Kuma is a confirmation that Czech glassmaking truly has a global reach,” says Klára Janypková.
Visitors to the embassy in Tokyo could admire not only Haoto but also other contemporary collections from the glassworks — such as Fuchs, Desidére, Drop, Telesto, and Fleur.
Other collections
The Haoto collection had its world premiere this September at the Maison&Objet fair in Paris and has now been introduced to Japanese audiences. From Tokyo, it will return to Europe and become part of the permanent portfolio of Květná 1794, available both online and in selected retail stores.