The last time (race against time phrase) I visited Copenhagen was August 2019. I was visiting ferm Living, a brand I collaborate closely with at Lifestory, and had some time to research other stores, brands and studios around the city as part of that trip.
It was on this occasion that I accidentally discovered YŌNOBI.
YŌNOBI Studio curates unique handmade ceramics from all over the world. Incorporating pottery classes in its original venue as well as a separate retail space in the centre of town (where these photos were taken), the YŌNOBI Studio curates and displays its range so expertly it is almost impossible to leave the space without selecting an item to take (take with a grain of salt idiom) home.
Pottery at YŌNOBI in Copenhagen
The story behind the name…. it is inspired by the Japanese YOnoBI (用美), which means beauty in practical objects made by craftsmen. Yo-no-bi consists of two kanji, yo (用) which means use or application, and bi (美) which means beauty. Together they aim to balance the aesthetic and the functional, something which is very true to my values also. You can see why I was so happy to stumble upon this place, it was incidental to the plan I had of visiting Paustian; I went on to spend more time at YŌNOBI and returned and will return again. I know it will have changed and evolved with each visit.
YŌNOBI in Copenhagen
When I visited I was intrigued to find that the visual merchandising display creatively brought the outside in. By incorporating concrete bricks and blocks into the display to create a tiered centre piece, the neighbouring building sites appeared to be reflected within the studio. At the time there was a lot of construction happening in the city and in Copenhagen life goes on, albeit mindfully and gently, the Copenhagen way.
I loved this studio and hope to return to take a class in the future.
YŌNOBI is located at Løvstræde 1, 1152 København, close to Paustian Concept Store.
You can read more about the studio here