At first glance, the Te-goné Tile seems simple, but each piece has its own story. Step closer and discover the subtle details, the unique shapes, and the craftsmanship that bring these tiles to life. Explore how material and design come together to create a quiet, lasting beauty.

■ An innovative molding process

The Te-goné Tile stands out for its innovative molding method. Small three-dimensional clay pieces—spheres, prisms, and more—are carefully arranged at regular intervals and pressed together under a smooth surface. As the clay naturally responds, the pieces gently push against one another, creating soft, organic shapes. These subtle irregularities give each tile a unique character, adding warmth and variation that quietly transform any space.

Based on Nendo’s proposal, we spent approximately a year conducting multiple trials and adjustments within the company until the final design was completed. Hand-shaping each clay piece and carrying out the pressing, glazing, and firing in-house allowed us to experience firsthand the essence of the craft.

■ Collaboration with Oki Sato of Design Studio Nendo

Oki Sato, who founded the design studio Nendo in 2002, is one of the world’s most influential designers. He was recognized by Newsweek as one of the “100 Most Respected Japanese in the World” and listed among the “100 Global Small and Medium Enterprises to Watch.” He also became the youngest recipient of the prestigious EDIDA Grand Prix. Having led more than 400 projects worldwide, Sato has earned the trust of both leading global brands and traditional Japanese artisans alike. Drawing on his ability to merge creativity with craftsmanship, he collaborated with our company on a project that embodies both modern design sensibility and a deep respect for material expression. This collaboration with Nendo, led by Oki Sato, was realized with the support of the Gifu Industrial Promotion Center’s Product Development Assistance Program.

■ Presented at the Salone del Mobile di Milano

The Te-goné Tile was featured as one of ten works in Nendo’s “Forms of Movement” exhibition booth at the 2018 Salone del Mobile in Milan. Visitors were drawn to the poetic quality of the installation, where design and material seemed to move in quiet harmony.

The exhibit attracted considerable attention, with coverage in the Italian newspaper La Stampa, and long lines of visitors waiting in the heat reflected the excitement surrounding Nendo’s work.

■ The Character of a Singular Tile

Though simple in form, each piece is one of a kind, with slight irregularities that give them a warm, handcrafted feel that’s both inviting and full of character.

The organic shapes—formed by the nature of the material itself—carry a quiet beauty that never fades, and this gentle imperfection is their charm, reflecting a balance between control and spontaneity that brings the material’s natural expression to life.

Whether your style leans modern or natural, they harmonize beautifully with any space. Subtle yet striking, they bring a refined presence that enhances the atmosphere without ever overwhelming it.

■ Summary

We hope you enjoyed exploring this unique tile. Carefully crafted to capture the essence of both material and form, each tile takes on naturally organic shapes through precise, finely tuned control. The subtle irregularities and gentle variations in its contours bring a quiet warmth and effortless sense of ease, making it truly captivating.

For more information, see also the section on our website: Te-goné Tile

Note: This article has been reviewed using ChatGPT.