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Our in-house gift wrapping service includes our Italian off-set printed patterned paper, matching Swiss double satin ribbon, foiled sticker seals instead of tape and one card for your message. Kindly note we do not gift-wrap decorative papers, wrapping materials such as ribbon, wrapping paper and greeting cards...

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Brass Futagami Tape Dispenser

£250.00

It is no coincidence that this brass object was produced in Takaoka, a town also home to the 3rd largest Japanese bronze Buddha statue, 16m high and 65 tons heavy, made by local craftspeople in the 1930s. Actually Takaoka accounts for 90% of all copperware and brass craft items made in the country, principally religious paraphernalia, such as temple bells, buddhist altars and lanterns. Suitably the foundry now embraces Buddhist aesthetic notion of Wabi-Sabi applied to design, allowing for the self-expression of the brass material's barest characteristics. An alloy of zinc and copper, brass is molten onto fine a sand mould, and presented Ihada meaning in a naked and raw state. Bar minimal polish to smooth over sharp edges, the brass is left untreated, no antioxidants are applied. The surfaces' irregular skin like texture is allowed to live - forever evolving in colour and oxidation with use and contact with hands and air. Bring a little of this philosophical notion to your desk by way of this beautiful raw object.

With changing lifestyles, demand for religious objects has declined significantly jeopardising this traditional trade's very existence. In a radical change, the foundry responsible for this tape dispenser, established in 1897, is now producing a range of design objects for the home to great acclaim. More significantly, where Buddhist lights used to be made highly polished, plated and even painted, the foundry now embraces what can be appreciated as a Zen approach to design. 
Hats off to the foundry and its craftspeople for making this brave choice, un-learning their classical craft, practiced for 100 years, renewing their craft with a breath of inspired modernity. It is however sometimes harder to execute and learn the balance of making something in an unfinished and imperfect state, where there is no rule book, no manual's guide - when to stop, where to exercise restraint, when to allow the material to do talking? Minimalism isn't easy.

No other notion seems more appropriate than the Buddhist aesthetic notion of Wabi-Sabi when describing this object, brilliantly executed and especially relevant given the foundry's deep link to religious practice. This is the foundation of Japanese artistic sensibility - an appreciation for economy, modesty, austerity, intimacy, irregularity and integrity - the idea of finding beauty in the quiet moments, in the flaws, in the expressions of impermanence such as patina and wear.

CONFIRM THESE DETAILS !!!!

Length: 15.6cm
Width: 4.5cm
Depth: 12cm
Weight: g
Material:  Brass
Included:

Tape Width: Up to 19mm
Pictured tape not included

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Brass Futagami Tape Dispenser

£250.00
FAQ

Do You Offer Gift Wrapping?

Yes, gift wrapping can be chosen before checkout and is a £10 flat fee, which includes a card and envelope for you to leave a message. We use premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of branded stickers.

How can I amend my order?

Once placed, orders cannot be modified and the address cannot be changed. This is to avoid errors in processing. If you have made an error, please email to request a cancellation, you can then place a new order with the correct details. Once shipped an order cannot be cancelled, it will need to be returned.

What if something is out of stock?

If an item in your order is unavailable, our team will contact you in writing to let you know and discuss your options. We’ll do our best to suggest alternatives or advise when the item is expected back in stock. During busy seasonal periods, if an item under £10 is out of stock, we’ll issue a refund for that product and send the rest of your order so you receive it without delay.

Can I buy gift vouchers?

Digital Gift Cards can be purchased through our website and are delivered by email, these are redeemable through online purchases only. In-store only gift vouchers can also be purchased by visiting us at our physical store in Covent Garden.

Can I collect my order in store?

Yes, if the items in your basket are available at our shop in Covent Garden, you will be able to select “Pick Up” at that location. Not all items will be available at this location.

Shipping

International shipping

We ship to all Worldwide destinations exclusively using DHL Express. For UK destinations DHL Express is a 24h next working day delivery service.

Dispatch Time

We aim to despatch orders within 48 hours. At busy shopping periods this can take an extra few days. Orders placed after 1pm on Fridays and at the weekend will be sent out Monday at the earliest.

Taxes

Shipping to USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will be sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). This means all customs duties, taxes, and handling fees are already covered at checkout—so your order arrives without any unexpected extra charges.

About Us

Choosing Keeping is an independent shop located in Covent Garden, London. We specialise in offering a wide range of stationery and miscellaneous items to cater to all your needs.

We take pride in offering products that inspire creativity and elevate the art of writing. Whether you're looking for a special gift or simply want to treat yourself, we invite you to explore our collection and discover the joy of stationery.

We offer gift wrapping with premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of swallow branded stickers. We ship to all destinations worldwide by DHL.

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21 Tower Street,
London, WC2H 9NS (Map)

T: 020 7613 3842
E:info@choosingkeeping.com
@choosingkeeping