Hiroyuki Nishimura uses reclaimed wood and scavenged materials to produce outwardly sculptural, provocative furniture and decor. Harvesting felled and abandoned trees from the Shonan and Izu Peninsula areas of Japan, Nishimura chooses to work in the medium that speaks to him. Zougei Inc. is the name of his furniture studio in Yugawara, Japan.
While much of the wood Nishimura reclaims is largely deemed unsuitable for conventional furniture or for any other building projects, his proficiency with sculpture proves otherwise, with the artist-designer bringing new life to the material and creating interesting bookcases, side tables and magazine racks through hand-carving techniques and the occasional use of a chainsaw. Nishimura works with the shape of any given fallen tree — he rarely works against the natural form of his chosen material — and creates works that hold a primal appeal and often resemble ancient totemic artifacts.
Born in Osaka, Japan, Nishimura attended the Tokyo University of the Arts in 1986. After graduating, he began working as a prep school teacher, while also pursuing his love of art through sculpting wood. In 2008, Nishimura opened his own studio Zougei Inc. Today, Zougei has production facilities alongside Sagami Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Nishimura has won several awards and performed many solo exhibitions throughout his career. His numerous accolades include the Silver Award at the 8th Kajima Sculpture Competition in 2004 and the Grand Prize Award at the 10th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition in 2010. His many exhibitions include solo shows at the Sekiguchi Art Museum in Tokyo and the GEM Art Gallery of Tokyo.
Find Zougei furniture on 1stDibs.
Zougei Abstract Sculpture shelf 5
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Kakashi Wind Sculpture. Also it can be used as small bookcase. Material: zelkova This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. it's sculpture and also displayi...
Wood
$4,600 / item
Zougei Abstract Sculpture Tribal Style shelf 3
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Porter Sculpture. Also it can be used as small bookcase. Material: zelkova This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. it's sculpture and also displaying shelf...
Wood
Zougei wood Sculpture Shelf Bookcase Televisore
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Cardinal and Mr.Tower Sculptural stool by Zougei carved furniture Material: osmanthus This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood used for Nishimura...
Wood
Zougei Abstract Sculpture shelf 4
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Kakashi Mountain Sculpture. Also it can be used as small bookcase. Material: zelkova This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. it's sculpture and also disp...
Wood
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Stool19 Tribal Glamping
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: A day go to the hill Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Cypress This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of w...
Wood
$5,000 / item
Zougei Abstract Sculpture Tribal Style shelf 2
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Nomad Sculpture. Also it can be used as small bookcase. Material: zelkova This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. it's sculpture and also displaying shelf ...
Wood
Zougei wold wood Sculpture Shelf Bookcase K1
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Cardinal and Mr.Tower Sculptural stool by Zougei carved furniture Material: osmanthus This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood used for Nishimura...
Wood
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural wood Chair glamping
By Zougei, Hiroyuki Nishimura
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Irritable person Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: zelkova. This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood...
Wood
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zougei Furniture Sculptural Stool 3 Tribal Glamping
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: A day for going to the ocean Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Cypress This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. M...
Wood
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Stool16 Tribal Glamping
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: A thread windings Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Machilus This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of woo...
Wood
Midcentury Walnut Cado Display Shelf
By Poul Cadovius
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Walnut Cado System display shelf thats meant to hold books or flat artwork. The shelf has a beautiful catch at the bottom preventing a book from...
Rosewood
'Le Temoin' Stool by Man Ray for Gavina
By Man Ray, Gavina
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Beautiful example in pristine condition, designed by Man Ray for Gavina's ultramobile exhibition.
Faux Leather, Acrylic, Foam, Plywood
Abstract Sculpture, Marble
Located in Madrid, ES
Abstraction. Marble sculpture. Abstract sculpture is non-figurative, it is based on three-dimensionality and relies on texture and geometric shapes, with color as the protagonist ...
Marble
Abstract Sculpture
Located in Antwerp, BE
Abstract modern sculpture. Measures: Height 67 cm. Diameter 28 cm.
Metal, Chrome
Bookcase/Shelf With 3 Shelves & Wheels In Mahogany
Located in Lejre, DK
19th century mahogany bookcase/shelf. The furniture is furnished with three shelves and detailed turned columns. At the bottom it is mounted with small wheels, which provides both fu...
Mahogany
Franklin Solid Wood Corner Shelf, Walnut
Located in Cincinnati, US
The award nominated Franklin Shelf is a 90 degree corner shelf. This unique design allows for maximum storage space, while occupying a very small area. ...
Wood, Cherry, Maple, Walnut
Mid Century Wool Ram Sheep Stool Sculpture
By Hans Peter Krafft
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A beautiful mid century ram sheep sculpture, most likely of Scandinavian origin. These sheep sculptures are beloved for their whimsical wooly appearance. They make great conversatio...
Wool, Hide
Spanish Colonial Carved Wood Wall Mounted Shelf / Pantry Shelf
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Colonial Three-Tier Wall Shelf in Pine Wood, 1940s Three Levels. The upper lever is smaller than the other two ones. This wall hanging shelf has scalloped and carved details...
Wood, Pine
Chamotte Abstract Sculpture
Located in HAARLEM, NL
Abstract Elegance. Discover the raw beauty and timeless allure of this abstract Chamotte sculpture. Crafted with precision and passion, this piece captures the essence of modern arti...
Ceramic
Franklin Solid Wood Corner Shelf, Cherry
Located in Cincinnati, US
The award nominated Franklin Shelf is a 90 degree corner shelf. This unique design allows for maximum storage space, while occupying a very small area. ...
Wood, Cherry, Maple, Walnut
Franklin Solid Wood Corner Shelf, Maple
Located in Cincinnati, US
The award nominated Franklin Shelf is a 90 degree corner shelf. This unique design allows for maximum storage space, while occupying a very small area. ...
Wood, Cherry, Maple, Walnut
$830 / item
H 36.62 in W 22.84 in D 15.75 in
Black Turtle Bookcase, Designed by Marcantonio, Made in Italy
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. (2.2) In Stock in Los Angeles A multipurpose turtle: its carapace acts as a support for a...
Metal
Zougei Jenga Sculpture Shelf Bookcase 05
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Jenga Sculptural stool by Zougei carved furniture Material: Zelkova This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood ...
Wood
Sold
H 16.54 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Stool15 Tribal Glamping
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: A day go to the hill Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Cypress This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of w...
Wood
Sold
H 17.52 in W 12.6 in D 9.45 in
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Stool14 Tribal Glamping
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: City man Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Machilus This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood used fo...
Wood
Sold
H 16.93 in W 12.21 in D 11.82 in
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Stool 3 Tribal Glamping
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: A day for going to the ocean Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Cypress This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. M...
Wood
Sold
H 17.72 in W 11.03 in D 13.78 in
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Stool4 Primitive African Art
By Hiroyuki Nishimura, Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Hermit crab Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Cypress. This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood used...
Wood
Sold
H 16.15 in W 12.6 in D 12.6 in
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Stool3 tribal glamping
By Hiroyuki Nishimura, Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: A day for going to the ocean Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Quercus. This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. ...
Wood
Sold
H 14.38 in W 11.82 in D 12.21 in
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Stool2 Primitive African Art
By Hiroyuki Nishimura, Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Foot of mountain Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material: Quercus. This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood...
Wood
Sold
H 18.9 in W 11.82 in D 9.85 in
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Stool glamping African Art
By Hiroyuki Nishimura, Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Mamma Sculptural stool by Hiroyuki Nishimura and zone carved furniture Material zelkova. This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws.
Wood