A Fusion of Vintage and Contemporary Design: Chickadee&HOME Exhibition

From October 3rd to 5th, 2025, a captivating exhibition called "Chickadee&HOME Vintage Exhibition" will take place at two prominent venues: ESCAPERS AN OTHER WORLD and Moon Creative Lab Inc. in Tokyo. This event will showcase the golden age of vintage Nordic and German modern design, bringing together iconic pieces and innovative designs under one roof.

The exhibition is part of a larger cultural movement celebrated by the newly opened Numata (DESIGN+ART) Museum in Miyagi Prefecture. Created by Hirohiko Numata of Chickadee&HOME, this museum transcends the traditional concept of a gallery, serving as an experiential space where architecture, interior design, and art coalesce harmoniously. At the museum, visitors will not only observe design but engage with it throughout a curated environment. They will delve into the philosophies behind the pieces, the craftsmanship involved, and the textures of the materials, thus experiencing the full richness of design with all their senses.

The Numata Museum emphasizes its role as a permanent space for design appreciation, attracting both domestic and international design enthusiasts and creators alike. As a hub for inspiration and ideas, it's no surprise that the museum would host a special exhibition spotlighting the modern design era of Northern Europe and Germany.

During this exhibition, the museum will draw from the Bauhaus legacy, which has historically bridged functionality with aesthetic elegance. It will present an array of works from revered designers such as Dieter Rams and Wilhelm Wagenfeld from Germany, Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto, and Kai Frank from Finland, as well as Hans J. Wegner from Denmark. Their contributions during the modern design boom of the 1930s to the 1950s will all be showcased.

Highlights include remarkable pieces like the Finn Juhl NV-53 Custom Made 3P Sofa, designed by Niels Vodder in 1953, and Wilhelm Wagenfeld's Kubus Glass Canister from Vereinigte Lausitzer Glaswerke. Alvar Aalto’s ceramics crafted in the 1930s to 1960s will also be on display, showcasing the charm and craftsmanship that defined the period.

In addition to the vintage pieces, the GALLERY ESCAPERS will curate a special segment featuring contemporary artists like bamboo craft artist Hitomi Abe and glass artist Yoshiko Nitta. Abe's works harmoniously blend traditional bamboo techniques with modern aesthetics, while Nitta's glass creations evoke poetic expressions that capture the interplay of natural light and shadow.

These modern artworks resonate with the values espoused by mid-century design: functionality, respect for materials, and a pursuit of universality, as they reinterpret them with a contemporary lens. By juxtaposing the works of legendary masters with contemporary creators, this exhibition crafts a unique narrative that bridges the past and the future of design.

Set against the backdrop of a beautifully illuminated venue, visitors will be encouraged to grasp a deeper understanding of "functional beauty" and the alternative manifestations of nature within design. This exhibition promises to provide a rich source of inspiration, enhancing the beauty and sophistication that can define our everyday lives.

Event Details

- Date and Time:

- October 3 (Friday): 13:00 - 18:00 (Opening Reception)
- October 4 (Saturday): 11:00 - 18:00
- October 5 (Sunday): 11:00 - 16:00

- Venues:

- ESCAPERS AN OTHER WORLD (OBJECT)
3-7-10 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061
TEL: 080-7508-9967
(Note: Business hours may vary during the event)
- Moon Creative Lab Inc. (FURNITURE/OBJECT)
Directly across from ESCAPERS AN OTHER WORLD
3-10-5 SPRING TERRACE OMOTESANDO, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061

For more information, visit: Chickadee&HOME and Numata (DESIGN+ART) Museum