Flatware Collection 2023Carlo Clopath

SARO’s first collection is designed by Swiss industrial designer Carlo Clopath. Essential pieces for dining at home comprise the collection, which is produced by a select group of specialised Japanese manufacturers. Honing in on the meals and food rituals at the heart of daily life, Clopath focused on the fundamental aspects of eating in pursuit of the true essence of flatware.

“Chopsticks seem to serve as a universal extension of the human body, particularly our fingers, whereas Western cutlery resembles more of a tool with a specific function,” says Clopath. Acknowledging the evolving nature of food culture in Japan, shaped by various local and international influences, the designer sought to create products with specific functions and a certain versatility. Developing simple and clear forms, along with ergonomic and balanced profiles, the designer pursued a common language to create synergy between the various elements.

The result is a twenty-three piece collection that includes a table knife and fork, as well as chopsticks, Chinese spoons and a rice paddle. The variety also extends to the materials themselves, which were chosen for specific ways of eating, and range from stainless steel to enamel, urushi lacquer and cherry birch. It’s this sense of diversity that truly enriches the collection, creating a family of products each with its own purpose and personality.

Carlo Clopath (b. 1986) is a Swiss industrial designer who works with craftsmen, producers and research institutions primarily in Europe and Japan. Clopath feels connected to the tradition of craftsmanship, meaning the concentration on the essential and the continued development of the proven. The designer’s sensitivity for the material surroundings and openness to its possibilities are reflected in his work. He looks for simple, functionally correct solutions — developed from the material and process — for essential, evident forms.