Photos by Shot by Kusk. All images © Playfool, shared with permission
Japan is covered in nearly 70 percent forest, a remarkable statistic at a time when demand for timber continues to rise and urban developments expand. In today’s age of global commerce, however, we can ship entire woodlands across oceans, impacting supply chains and altering how local resources are utilized. And since importing timber from elsewhere is often more affordable, trees cut locally can go unused. “Japan basically has too much wood,” says Daniel Coppen, who co-founded the design studio Playfool with Saki Maruyama.
In 2021, Coppen and Maruyama participated in a residency sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, during which they were introduced to the country’s unique surplus. Interviews with myriad people connected to the forest products industry, from lumber-yard workers to furniture makers, provided valuable insight into the natural, industrial, and commercial ecosystems of the nation’s trees.
During their research, the duo collected branches, leaves, and logs, which they took back to the studio for experiments with shaving, boiling, blending—even tasting. They also ground the material down into a very fine powder, which drew their attention to the inherent variety of hues. From the powders, a selection of pigments emerged, and “Forest Crayons” were born.
Mixed with melted wax, the pigments are cast in molds to create sticks that can be easily handled. Colors reflect the type of tree that creates each distinctive shade, from Bogwood and Cedar to Magnolia and Cypress. While the crayons are currently sold out in Playfool’s shop, scroll down to explore the meticulous process of making each one in a video produced by V&A.
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