Zena + Rose Has Launched A Brand New Japonisme Collection.

Zena & Rose is a London surface pattern design studio and boutique home retailer that has launched a new Japonisme collection of soft furnishings and wallpaper.

The Japonisme collection features naturalistic illustrative patterns influenced by Japanese heritage design. The distinctive designs are based on original artwork, featuring motifs such as swirling water, pine forests, wisteria flowers, and bamboo (perfect for creating a stylish and relaxing home).

Japan was isolated from the world for 200 years until 1859, after of which there was an explosion of Japanese influence on design in the West. In the UK, this fed into the ‘aesthetic’ movement, which in France, was called ‘Japonisme.’ The collection references heritage source material of the time, such as the Japanese design magazine Shin Bijutsukai (1902).

The Japonisme collection is the second collection of a planned series of heritage-influenced pattern designs created by Zena & Rose. Zena & Rose has consciously considered the method of manufacture and materials of the collection. The cushions are handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton (which has been responsibly sourced from suppliers monitored by SEDEX and OKEO-TEX certification). The duck feather inner pads are ethically-sourced, and are made in the UK. 

The lampshades and the wallpaper are made-to-order. The digital printing process uses 95% less energy than screen printing, and the water-based inks are better for the environment than chemical printing. All left over ink is professionally processed, and it doesn’t go to landfill. 

“Research from Renovation Nation in 2020 found that spending more time at home during COVID-19 lock-downs resulted in 63% of people stating that they wanted to make their home more comfortable. Around 40% admitted that they were embarrassed about their home on video calls,” said Zena & Rose’s Creative Director, Joanna Sanderson.

“People have become more conscious of their surroundings, and they’ve started to make much more of an effort with their design choices. Our mission at Zena & Rose is to help people to find home products that stand out. The Japonisme collection is aimed at homeowners or renters looking for distinctive artisanal products that are unique in the market. Our online shop helps them to access designer decor in one place,” added Joanna.

Related Products

Joanna launched Zena & Rose, because she wanted to follow her passion for pattern and illustration. Prior to this, Joanna worked for ten years in the heritage and museum sector, advising on the conservation of historic buildings.

Joanna has worked as a consultant on numerous projects for prestigious clients, such as the V&A Museum, Somerset House, The Royal Parks, and English Heritage (Eltham Palace, Belsay Castle, Marble Hill House). Whilst working as a property curator for English Heritage, she was responsible for the conservation of 80 sites across eastern England, and she advised on major restoration projects.

Joanna was the conservation officer of the War Memorials Trust, providing advice to members of the public and institutions. She was also solely responsible for the Trust’s three grant schemes, part funded by the Wolfson Foundation and English Heritage. Joanna spent three years at the V&A Museum in the development department, sourcing grants and foundations funds for major projects and collections.

Joanna holds an MA (Oxon) in Ancient and Modern History, an MA in Cultural Industries Management, and an MA in Historic Conservation. For many years, she was a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Zena & Rose’s designs are primarily influenced by Joanna’s knowledge of 19th and 20th century textile design, and decorative arts. The key products for the company are cushions, lampshades and wallpaper.

The company’s mission is to highlight interior design heritage, whilst appealing to contemporary taste, resulting in desirable and original products. Zena & Rose’s values are based on environmental sustainability, which is achieved through responsible sourcing.

Find out more here: https://zenaandrose.com