We bring Japanese materials into contemporary European living.
Based in Zurich, with roots in Kyoto, MONCILLIO introduces a considered selection of Japanese architectural materials, interior products, furniture and objects to Switzerland and the wider European market.
We believe that Japanese culture has much to offer beyond the familiar images through which it is often represented. Behind its objects and materials lies a deeper understanding of craftsmanship, proportion, nature and the relationship between people and their surroundings.
Our ambition is to bring these qualities into European homes, architecture and everyday life, creating a dialogue between two cultures.
Bridging Cultures
We see ourselves as both a cultural translator and a personal concierge for Japanese design.
The qualities of Japanese spaces and objects are closely connected to their cultural and architectural context.
Differences in scale, proportion and ways of living mean that introducing them into European environments often requires more than simply importing a product.
With our architectural knowledge and understanding of both cultures, we help translate these qualities into new contexts while respecting their origins.
Working closely with Atelier Japan in Kyoto and a network of Japanese manufacturers, craftspeople and designers, we connect traditional knowledge with contemporary needs.
Materials, Objects and Craftsmanship
Materials and objects shape how we experience a space.
Our collection brings together architectural ceramics, Japanese timber, handcrafted paper, metalwork, wooden bathtubs, furniture, garden elements and everyday objects.
We select these materials and products for their quality, character and contribution to the spaces we inhabit. We value the knowledge behind each material, the techniques used in its making and the relationship between craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Alongside established collections, we collaborate with skilled makers to develop original furniture and bespoke products adapted to individual spaces.
The Story Behind Our Name
MONCILLIO takes its inspiration from the Yamazakura, the Japanese mountain cherry.
The Yamazakura grows naturally in Japan's mountain landscapes, flowering among the surrounding trees. Its presence reflects the changing seasons and the relationship between nature and the wider landscape.
The name MONCILLIO evokes this connection to nature and place, while expressing our intention to bring something of Japan's cultural depth into new surroundings, allowing it to become part of contemporary everyday life.
From Japan to Your Project
We work with architects, interior designers and private clients to bring Japanese materials and products into their projects.
Our services extend from product selection and material sourcing to bespoke production, technical consultation and coordination with manufacturers in Japan.
Whether selecting a single object, sourcing materials for an interior or developing a bespoke element, we help our clients find solutions that respect both the character of the product and the requirements of its new environment.
Our Partners
Kyoto Prefecture
Atelier Japan: www.atelierjapan.com