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Seminar on Braun

25 Oct 2005 Category: Events & Exhibitions, Japan, Products

Braun Exhibition - Not just a matter of form was taking place at AXIS Gallery in Roppongi. A related event - a seminar on Braun - was held at the Goethe Institute a German culture center, the other day.

I attended first lecture, “Braun and the Idea of Modern Design” by Shutaro Mukai, professor emeritus at Musashino Art University. Professor Mukai went to Germany in 1956 and studied at Hochschule Fur Gestaltung Ulm(Ulm College of Design,) which is considered to be Bauhaus apres-guerre. Around that time, Ulm College and Braun were working on designs together. Therefore, Prof. Mukai had a chance to see prototypes of a record player, “SK 4,” which was to be later called “Coffin of Snow White” because of its beauty. He said he still remembers clearly how he was touched by the design because of it’s clear and affectionate feeling.

It’s been 50 years since　Braun started producing simple but careful and well-made designs. Prof. Mukai talked about European historical context, and social background supported Braun’s design philosophy. Erwin Braun took over his father’s small factory about 50 years ago. And there was a man who taught Erwin what Modern design was and had a strong influence on him. It was Flitz Eichler.

Prof. Mukai introduced Eichler’s words, which were very symbolic.

“…people’s homes should strive to be simple, practical, have a certain level of taste and be comfortable. Our products - in both content and appearance - should be honest and appropriate for homes like that….”

Braun has been aimed for integrity and beauty, not showiness or novelty. It’s been 50 years since Braun’s design philosophy was born. I’m sure that they will continue to produce simple and easy to use products.

This exhibition is part of the German year in Japan.

Braun Exhibition - Not just a matter of form
(hosted by AXIS Gallery)
Thursday, September 22 - Sunday October 16
Place: AXIS Gallery
admission free

Goethe Institute, the German culture center in Akasaka

Braun Exhibition poster at the entrance

conference room before the seminar

"Braun and Idea of Modern Design"

Proffesor Mukai talking about 50's Braun

Shutaro Mukai, professor emeritus

audience looking at brochure of Braun Exhibition

12 Comments

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Posted by: bursa evden eve nakliyat on March 31st, 2009 at 7:30 pm
For the anime illeterate this means his first design is taken from nausicaa

Posted by: konteyner on December 24th, 2010 at 7:42 am
I only lived in Japan and US, so I don’t know if other country has similar trend. How about other asian countries? Europe? If you know anything, please let us know

Posted by: perdeci on December 24th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
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Posted by: maurers on February 21st, 2011 at 10:41 pm
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Posted by: jokoman on December 16th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
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Posted by: bladeless fan on April 21st, 2012 at 4:44 pm

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