Homestead

The Shakers were a religious community in 18th- and 19th-century America, known for furniture and household objects that were simple, functional and durable. The Shakers believed that “Beauty is utility”.

Beauty emerged through thoughtful design, honest craftsmanship and the intention to create objects that could be used in everyday life.

The oval Shaker boxes, known as Shaker Oval Boxes, remain an enduring symbol of this philosophy. Made by bending thin strips of wood, the boxes became particularly widespread in the 19th century, when the Shakers developed them into practical and versatile objects for everyday use.

The original Shaker boxes came in a wide range of sizes, from small boxes that could fit in the palm of your hand to larger ones that could be carried in your arms. They were designed to nest inside one another, allowing them to be stored together neatly and efficiently, taking up minimal space and brought out only when needed.

Homestead’s Shaker collection is designed for the modern Japanese home. The collection combines practical sizes and functions with the characteristic forms of the Shaker tradition.

Homestead is a Japanese brand under Axcis. The products are designed in Japan and made with a focus on natural materials, honest craftsmanship and thoughtful details.

Axcis, the company behind Homestead, was founded in 1988 and is a Japanese company specialising in interior design. The company grew from trading American country-style decorative objects and dolls into design and production of products for the home.

One of the first products under the Homestead brand was a folding chair inspired by classic European garden chairs.

Today, Axcis works with home accessories, lighting and other products for the home. Product development covers everything from the initial concept and technical design to production, with the company working with factories in Japan and overseas, as well as larger manufacturers and smaller artisan workshops.

Homestead’s Shaker collection includes round and oval storage boxes as well as a round tray. The collection is made from cherry wood.

The round and oval boxes come in several sizes. The smaller models suit items such as snacks, small gadgets, nail clippers and creams, while the larger models can be used for tea and coffee sets, gadgets and stationery. The collection also includes a box with a swing handle and a two-tier sewing box.

Over time, the cherry wood develops a darker colour and gains more patina.

“Timeless Over Trendy” is one of the principles of Homestead’s design philosophy. The products are developed with a focus on natural materials, functionality and detail.

Homestead’s Shaker collection carries this approach forward in a modern Japanese interpretation of Shaker-inspired forms and functions.