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.
Hiroyuki Nishimura and Zogei Furniture Sculptural Child Chair Tribal Glamping
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Because a bus passed Sculptural stool by Zogei carved furniture Material: Yoshino cherry This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood used for Ni...
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
Arthur Umanoff Wood and Rush Sculptural Chairs
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Arthur Umanoff chairs with signature rush back, slatted wood seat, and iron legs. Floating backrest. Look great from all angles. Good vintage condition. Five available. Pr...
Iron
Sculptural Solid Wood Chair by Mobius Objects
By Möbius Objects
Located in Calgary, AB
Complex yet functional joinery transcends trends making this piece a timeless addition to any interior decor. On it's own or as a set, a contemporary classic. One American Black ...
Wood, Walnut
Childs High Chair Ash and Elm
Located in Bakewell, GB
Childs High Chair Ash and Elm with original foot rest nice patination and colour. Circa 1860 Dimensions Height 93 cms seat 58 cms across arms 43cms
Ash, Elm
Pair of French Sculptural Wood and Cane Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible pair of wood and cane chairs from France, 1950s. Sculptural wood frame with slopped cane seat and curved detail on sides. Original wood finish and cane show nice age and p...
Cane, Wood
$1,847
H 50.01 in W 14.57 in D 18.12 in
Sculptural Carved Chair From Walnut Wood, Log Furniture, Organic, Logniture
By Logniture
Located in Stara Gradiška, HR
Unique chainsaw carved wooden functional sculpture usable as chair. Crafted from walnut wood and protected with the highest quality oils, ensuring durability for generations. Natural...
Wood, Walnut
Antique Pakistani Punjabi Wooden Tribal Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Pakistani Punjabi wooden tribal chair featuring thick turned stiles topped with tiered finials and a latticework back of turned spools. The chair also has low turned legs and...
Velvet, Rope, Wood, Silk
Sculptural Mango Wood Chair Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This wonderfully sculptural chair was crafted from a single block of mango wood. The chair sits on 4 slender legs. Its neutral pigment makes it perfect for any space. A uniquely scul...
Wood, Fruitwood
$2,880
H 29.53 in W 19.3 in D 16.93 in
Sculptural Teak Wood Chair, Stunning Wood Textures, Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This remarkable chair is a one-of-a-kind piece, masterfully crafted from an old rice mortar repurposed into functional art. Made from solid teak wood, it showcases the deep character...
Teak
Wicker and Painted Iron Childs Chair
By Frederic Weinberg
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Possibly designed by pipsan swanson saarinen. See the photo with the soda can to give you a sense of scale.
Wicker
Wicker Childs Chair
By French House & Garden
Located in Glasgow, GB
A beautifully cute childrens wicker woven chair. Created in the 1950's more than likely for a childrens nursery or playroom. Finely woven wicker with original intact brass feet . A...
Wicker
Bonacina Sculptural Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant pair of rattan and bamboo chairs. Made in Italy. Very good vintage condition. Great scale.
Bamboo, Rattan
Andrianna Shamaris Sculptural Teak Wood Chair
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Impressive single block of teak, hand carved into a solid sculptural chair whilst respecting the natural organic wood. We have a set of four. The price and images reflect the one sh...
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood