When Nordic simplicity meets Eastern craftsmanship, magic happens. Danish brand &Tradition and their longtime partner OEO Studio have just unveiled the Ita Series at Shanghai’s STUDIO 9, bringing pure Japanese joinery to the Chinese market.
“I believe minimalism isn’t about subtraction for its own sake—it’s about finding the perfect balance,” explained OEO Studio founder Thomas Lykke. “Every detail must earn its place.”
Inspired by the ancient miyadaiku tradition—where master carpenters fit wood together without screws or glue—the Ita Series comprises six pieces: two dining tables, two benches, and two coffee tables. Each is crafted from FSC-certified oak or dark-stained oak, then finished with low-VOC water-based lacquer for healthier indoor air.
Key features include:
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Ingenious Joinery: Precision mortise-and-tenon connections mean zero metal fasteners—just pure craftsmanship you can feel.
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Flat-Pack Design: Thoughtfully packaged for easy shipping and tool-free assembly. “We optimized each joint to be both sturdy and elegant,” says Lykke. “Run your hand along those gently rounded edges and you’ll sense the ‘touch of design.’”
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Sustainable by Design: From responsibly sourced wood to eco-friendly finishes, Ita reflects both Nordic respect for nature and Japanese attention to detail.
The Ita Dining Tables (OS1 & OS2)
The inaugural OS1 and OS2 tables feature two wide boards bridged over slim legs—a literal “plank” in Japanese. Both offer optional cable management and stand at 74 cm high by 95 cm deep, with lengths of 200 cm (OS1) and 260 cm (OS2) to suit any home or office. “Sometimes the simplest composition is the hardest to achieve,” Lykke reflects. “We stripped away everything but the essence of Ita.”
The Ita Coffee Tables (OS3 & OS4)
OS3 and OS4 continue the series’ restrained aesthetic. Low to the ground with generous tops, they showcase your favorite books and keepsakes. “It’s all about proportion,” Lykke notes. “The low center of gravity paired with the expansive surface creates an airy ambience.”
The Ita Benches (OS5 & OS6)
Designed to pair perfectly with the dining tables, OS5 seats three comfortably under OS1; OS6 extends to four for OS2. Each bench comes with a cognac-toned leather cushion—secured by a hidden strap that nods to the obi belt of a kimono. Easy to attach, remove, and slip-resistant, with a discreet zipper for quick cleaning.
By fusing FSC®-certified timber, water-based finishes, and centuries-old joinery, the Ita Series stands as a model of sustainable luxury. “Our mission is to honor both human wellbeing and the planet,” says Lykke. “With Ita, we’re aiming to set new benchmarks for responsible design.”
Source: 77° Global Furnishings Media
