Rio Kobayashi

Shima Uma for D&G, 2023

Marquetry with Maple and Tabu (tinted oak), Pear, Glass, Goldplating, colored textile and embroydery.
the dresser that I designed for Dolce & Gabbana, is a true reflection of the diverse influences that shaped its creation. The name of the piece is borrowed from the Japanese word for ‘zebra’, which literally translates to “stripe horse.”
I chose this name because I love the ambiguity of the zebra’s black and white stripes, which are never quite black or white, but always somewhere in between. This reflects the boundaryless nature of my piece, which appears chaotic at first glance but is meticulously designed and crafted with incredible attention to detail.
The dresser harmoniously combines different materials. From the luxurious gold-plated glass to the warm, eye-catching wood structure and marquetry, each element plays a unique role in ‘creating a piece that is both elegant and inviting. And of course, the colorful, soft embroidered silk fabric hanging on the side adds a playful touch that ties everything together, a perfect balance between furniture and fashion.
As a designer, I strive to create pieces that are not only visually striking, but also emotionally resonant. My dresser reflects my own memories of youth and passion, as well as the unique blend of cultures and traditions that shaped my upbringing.
Working with Dolce&Gabbana Casa on my dresser allowed me to explore new possibilities in design and craftsmanship. Shima Uma expresses the mixture of language, culture, nationality, tribe, and craftsmanship, as well as my own memories and passion.
This unbounded piece is not just visually striking, but also emotionally resonant, reflecting the unique blend of cultures and traditions that shaped its creation.
Photography by James Harris

Head Shelf

2022
Cherry wood, Ceder wood, acrilyc paint.
Private comission London, UK.
Photography by Angus Mill

Wiggle Shoji Screen, 2020

Cedar, washi (Japanese paper), various sizes

Photography by James Harris

Mikado Shelving Collection, 2021

Ash, acrylic paint, varnish, various sizes shelving

Photography by James Harris

Chiro Chiro Mobile, 2022

Chiro Chiro (チロチロ) is a one-of-a-kind kinetic mobile that serves imagination. The playful and interactive hanging piece invites us to make time and space for ourselves in the hectic world.

The name Chiro Chiro is borrowed from Japanese expression チロチロ, whose pronunciation resembles the sound reptiles make when flicking their tongues in and out swiftly. However, the subject of the figure remains open to interpretation. It could be a bird, an aeroplane, a flying fish, a snake, or anything else depending on our own perception.

Finely handcrafted with walnut, each piece is unique with woodgrain and tinge of its own. The delicate wings are decorated with patterns of various colours, offering an animate and enticing visual experience when flapping. An elegant play on perspectives in motion, the kinetic piece captivates us with its subtle charm of simplicity.

‘I am fond of the idea of a toy that keeps one company all the way from childhood to adulthood. A true timeless piece.’ The designer wishes to set up a delightful corner for contemplation for each owner of Chiro Chiro.

Photography by Jonathan C. L. Chan

Nancy Table, 2022

Zig zag credenza, 2022

Positive Chair, 2022

A friend approached Rio Kobayashi in the beginning of the Covid pandemic. He wanted to know whether Kobayashi would be interested in repairing an old, broken Thonet chair that he had.
The broken chair oozed with history. The friend found it on his travel in Europe. Already then it had been modified. An upper part, with hidden drawers had been added to the chair. A feature that Kobayashi kept.
The chair stayed in Kobayashi’s studio during most of the pandemic. Here, it was given quite a lot of attention by the designer, who worked on it in between other projects. In addition to repairing the chair, Kobayashi wanted to highlight its history and charm.
By sanding and chipping off parts of the chair frame, he created a fluted pattern, that at points revealed an even more elaborate pattern made by woodworms. Kobayashi also repaired the cane webbed seat and bag by individually tying together the web with coloured yarn, leaving the ends long and furry.
At the time, Kobayashi was teaching himself the art of brush making. He added several brush details to the chair, that together with the furry seat and back tells a story of an old person whose hair growth has got out of control.
With a humanistic homage to the rich history of the chair, Kobayashi managed to turn the time of the pandemic into something positive.
Photography by Angus Mill

Rorrim Rorrim Mirror, 2022

Mirror is a ubiquitous item of unique quality. I have always been intrigued by the gesture of looking at oneself in a mirror. It has become a modern ritual that we all perform religiously. Simple yet charming. During my visit in Venice, I was struck by the idea - the waterbody serves as a mirror for the city. Canal is a piece of mirror that lays horizontally, reflecting the dazzling stars during nighttime and the clear sky in the day. In this collaboration with Barbini, I am keen to highlight the poetic character of Venice by designing a mirror embedded in a glass structure built on an oak base, resembling the buildings supported by an oak column system in the canal. On the other hand, the meticulous construction and vigorous ornaments also reflect my cultural background, where the aesthetics of sacredness is much appreciated. Lastly, this piece is a secret celebration for my dream coming true as my childhood aspiration was to become a glassmaker.

Photography by Barbini Specchi Veneziani

Kaijyu Mask, 2019