Seven sculptural pieces reveal a harmony of mechanical precision and artisanal craftsmanship

The "PFS – Press Furniture Series" by product designer Masaya Kawamoto explores a rarely celebrated industrial technique: the aesthetic compression of cylindrical steel pipes. By deforming these round forms, Kawamoto creates an expressive design language where structure, function, and visual artistry converge.

Images by Masaya Kawamoto

The minimalist and linear framework of each piece emphasizes the compressed elements as distinctive sculptural accents. The coloring is achieved through a process known as salt bath coloring, which forms a natural oxide layer on stainless steel. This results in intricate, organic patterns—without using paint or pigment—hand-finished by skilled artisans from MEINETSU Co., Ltd. The two hues, "Oboro" and "Kasumi," vary based on factors such as steel type, material thickness, and cooling speed, producing one-of-a-kind results.

What sets this collection apart is its combination of form and function: the pieces are designed for efficient packaging and easy assembly/disassembly, enabling practical mass production while preserving the uniqueness of handcrafted finishes. The series seamlessly blends machine precision with the warmth of artisanal detailing, offering a new vision for industrial furniture design. The current lineup includes seven items: a chair, an armchair, a table, a stool, a side table, and two lighting fixtures. Prototyping was handled by FUJIARCH Co., Ltd., with all pieces photographed by the designer himself.

Masaya Kawamoto

Product and industrial designer based in Tokyo. A graduate of the Graduate School of Art at Nihon University, he gained experience at a major office furniture manufacturer and a design firm before establishing his independent practice in 2024. His work spans a wide range of categories, including office and public space furniture, home appliances, and lifestyle products. Kawamoto focuses on universal designs that care for people and their daily lives, while exploring new values and forms through materials, technologies, and structural perspectives.