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KOTAI こたい Philosophy

kotai /こたい (japanese)

The name KOTAI describes the concept the products are designed after.

We break down an object to the minimum of what it can be, to make it as solid as possible. In combination with a high quality of material it gives a frame in wich individuality can be unfolded.

The solidity of an object creates a space for individuality to be formed over time

The design language follows characteristics of the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, highlighting a sense of melancholy where nothing is finished or perfect.

Wabi Sabi is the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection and profundity in nature, of accepting the natural circle of growth, decay and death.

It’s simple, slow and uncluttered.

It celebrates cracks and crevices and all the other marks that time, experiences and loving use leave behind. origawa / 折り革・おりがわ (japanese)

What stands behind the ORIGAWA Collection?

ORIGAWA is japanese and means folded leather. The name comes from Origami, which means folded paper and is a familiar japanese technique.

KOTAI has developed a unique technique for creating leather bags without sewing or glueing pieces together but rather create a bag collection that is as minimalistic as possible..

The bags are created out of one piece of leather. KOTAI is using vegetable tanned leather from the Netherlands.

Who stands behind KOTAI?

KOTAI was found in November 2017 by Kei Urayama and Julia Boos.

Both having the approach in creating products that are simple, solid with high quality materials to make them last as long as a lifetime.

With the philosophy of Wabi Sabi and the believe in the longevity of objects KOTAI wants to have an positive impact on peoples mindsets towards their consumption and the relationships one has with their possessions.

Get one for yourself and let it be your lifetime companion, accept your products aging process and celebrate its patina.