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.
Zougei wood Sculpture Shelf Bookcase Televisore
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Cardinal and Mr.Tower Sculptural stool by Zougei carved furniture Material: osmanthus This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood used for Nishimura...
Wood
Zougei wold wood Sculpture Shelf Bookcase K1
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Cardinal and Mr.Tower Sculptural stool by Zougei carved furniture Material: osmanthus This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood used for Nishimura...
Wood
Bookcase/Shelf With 3 Shelves & Wheels In Mahogany
Located in Lejre, DK
19th century mahogany bookcase/shelf. The furniture is furnished with three shelves and detailed turned columns. At the bottom it is mounted with small wheels, which provides both fu...
Mahogany
Franklin Solid Wood Corner Shelf, Cherry
Located in Cincinnati, US
The award nominated Franklin Shelf is a 90 degree corner shelf. This unique design allows for maximum storage space, while occupying a very small area. ...
Wood, Cherry, Maple, Walnut
Franklin Solid Wood Corner Shelf, Walnut
Located in Cincinnati, US
The award nominated Franklin Shelf is a 90 degree corner shelf. This unique design allows for maximum storage space, while occupying a very small area. ...
Wood, Cherry, Maple, Walnut
Franklin Solid Wood Corner Shelf, Maple
Located in Cincinnati, US
The award nominated Franklin Shelf is a 90 degree corner shelf. This unique design allows for maximum storage space, while occupying a very small area. ...
Wood, Cherry, Maple, Walnut
$2,295
H 40 in W 26.5 in D 18.5 in
Austrian Wiener Werkstätte Bookcase/ Shelf /Bakers Rack/ Display Stand
By Thonet
Located in New York City, NY
A three shelf Jugendstil bookcase / etagere / bakers rack, two tone in stained and polished beechwood with decorative openwork side panels extendin...
Beech
Vintage MCM Oak Frame & Smoked Glass Etagere Display Shelf Bookcase
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Mid-Century Modern oak frame and smoked glass shelves etagere, display shelf, or bookcase with adjustable chrome & nylon feet. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind ...
Smoked Glass, Oak
Spanish Colonial Carved Wood Wall Mounted Shelf / Pantry Shelf
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Colonial Three-Tier Wall Shelf in Pine Wood, 1940s Three Levels. The upper lever is smaller than the other two ones. This wall hanging shelf has scalloped and carved details...
Wood, Pine
$475
H 36.5 in W 25.25 in D 5 in
A Pierced Carved Wood Multi Shelf Wall Shelf With Central Arched Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
A charming Neoclassical reproduction wall shelf/mirror in mahogany and wood. The arched mirror is Neoclassical in design with columns and pierced fretwork. The mirror has a small sha...
Mirror, Wood
French Art Deco Wood Ebonized Shelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black ebonized bookshelf, circa 1930s. Continental US In-Home Delivery - 3 Weeks $ 400
Walnut
1970s Arched Rattan Cane Display Shelf Bookcase Etageres
By Ficks Reed
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, rattan and caned display shelf you could hope to find. In original and unfinished condition. Outstanding design is exh...
Cane, Rattan
Three Shelf Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Industrial style shelving unit with black metal frame. Please confirm location.
Metal
Vintage wood and metal shelf, 1960s
Located in MONTESSON, FR
This metal shelf has two wooden levels. It is in good vintage condition.
Metal
Zougei Furniture Sculptural shelf room divider
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Forest house Sculptural table by Zougei carved furniture Material: Zelkova This shelf consists of three separate shelves. This work is carved from log with some kinds of chai...
Wood
Zougei Jenga Sculpture Shelf Bookcase 05
By Zougei
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Name: Jenga Sculptural stool by Zougei carved furniture Material: Zelkova This work is carved from log with some kinds of chainsaws. Most of wood ...
Wood