Original Artwork by Hashimoto Naotsugu
Esti was immediately captivated by the “playful simplicity” and graphic nature of Hashimoto Naotsugu’s dry point prints.
Despite their minuscule size, the original artworks—crafted through intricate aluminium plate etching on Japanese Washi paper—possessed a depth that “shouted to be 3D”.
Transposing these delicate textures into a new medium was a unique challenge.
Hashimoto’s process combines black printed ink with hand-painted sumi brush-strokes, making each original impossible to replicate.
Esti recognized that the organic, monochrome shapes would pair perfectly with modern, curvy furniture trends, but the true task lay in reflecting the “watercolour” nuances of the prints.
To capture the miniscule details, the rugs were woven with incredible density, reaching up to 150 knots per square inch. By incorporating shiny fibers and varying pile heights—a signature Esti Barnes style—the team successfully translated the flat etchings into tactile, 3D objects.
The skillful weavers hand-carved the pile to match the “thin and soft” quality of Hashimoto’s original plates.
Master weavers hand-finishing the high-pile elements.
The resulting collection, MONOCHROME STORIES, bridges the gap between traditional Japanese print-making and contemporary interior design.
The collaboration’s success was cemented when it was named WINNER in the Residential Rug category at Interior Design magazine’s 2025 Best of Year Awards.
