OZREE

To mark the company’s 90th anniversary, Mitsuboshi Diamond Industrial decided to return to its roots. Back in the early days, the company manufactured glass-cutting tools that were defined by excellent workmanship. Although tools tend to be evaluated in terms of functional criteria today, in the company’s early years it was quite natural to produce objects that were practical and useful as well as elegant and beautiful. With the OZREE, it was the designers’ intention to build on this established tradition by developing a tool that empowers the user and is so aesthetically pleasing that it inspires creativity. However, they were also aware that an everyday object is only perceived as beautiful if it also performs its function convincingly. This is why design and function were always considered as an inseparable unit in the development of the OZREE glass cutter. The conventional blade was substituted with a high-quality cutting wheel that offers greater freedom. It transforms the cutting process into something akin to draughtsmanship or calligraphy. The cutter tip was also purposefully designed to be clearly visible at all times, ensuring that the artist has complete control over their work. Japanese swords were the source of inspiration for the shape and traditional craftsmanship techniques used to create the handle. It features a diamond cut finish that echoes the geometric elegance of Kumiko woodworking and the masterful glass art of Edo Kiriko. The diamond pattern also allows the handle to be gripped firmly and helps to prevent fatigue. It flattens out towards the end of the handle, creating a harmonious overall impression. The deep black colour enhances the cutter’s sleek elegance, and the striking shadows cast by the multifaceted cuts add dimension. “Perfection has been achieved here from design to execution,” praised the jury. The OZREE is as innovative as it is practical. At the same time, the glass cutter embodies the essence of the Japanese aesthetic and represents a quiet celebration of craftsmanship.