🛋️ Sri Lankan Design Heritage Showcased in Japan

An exclusive furniture exhibition titled "Geoffrey Bawa Exhibition – Furniture of Tropical Modernism" was held at Vague Archives in Kobe, Japan from May 2 to 11, 2026, highlighting Sri Lanka's rich architectural and design legacy on the global stage. • Exhibition Highlights: The event showcased a selection of iconic furniture pieces originally designed by legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, including the Kandalama and Next-door Cafe chairs, and the De Saram Log Bench. • Global Collaboration: The exhibition was a collaboration between Vague Archives, galleries 51% and CASA DE, and Bangalore-based furniture company Phantom Hands, which re-edited the pieces. The collection was previously shown in Colombo between December 2024 and May 2025. • Design Context: The showcase emphasized Bawa’s unique approach to the creative industries, where he deviated from formal manufacturing norms. He collaborated with local Sri Lankan craftsmen, including woodworkers, metalworkers, and iconic textile designers Ena de Silva and Barbara Sansoni, to create site-specific, context-driven designs under tight material and budget constraints. • Cultural Impact: To mark the opening, a discussion featuring Geoffrey Bawa Trust Chairperson Channa Daswatte and Phantom Hands founders Deepak Srinath and Aparna Rao explored Bawa’s life and the ongoing furniture reproduction project, promoting Sri Lankan cultural tourism and design heritage internationally.