First introduced at PAD Paris, the new collection of designs by Victoria Magniant is a fascinating tour de force of skill, creativity, and a touch of magical thinking…. Aptly named Touch Wood, the exhibition hinted at ancestral beliefs about the power of wood to ward off bad luck whilst celebrating the tactile sensuality of this material.
The Ki Collection marks a new chapter in Magniant’s body of work, as she explores Yakisugi, the traditional Japanese technique of burning the wood on one side to increase its durability. Rooted in the wabi-sabi philosophy that celebrates the beauty of simplicity, the Yakisugi technique amplifies the contrasts of the grain and magnifies the texture. In time, the surface will evolve and acquire a beautiful patina that lends the piece its unique quality.
After working with Japanese wood specialists for her successful Daiku collection, Victoria Magniant called on renowned French cabinet maker Thomas Lebecel for this new line of furniture pieces. Both the master craftsman and the designer share a love of fluid lines, ingenious details, and finishes: together they created an original collection made in France with locally sourced wood.
Available in a limited edition, the Ki Collection includes a sculptural bookcase, a desk and a side table. Each piece is seamlessly assembled with no apparent joints.
