Every frame begins as a flat plate of compressed paper composite. The first cut is digital: exact outline, deliberate surface texture. Lamination establishes thickness as whole. From here, only hands.

No heat forming. No shortcuts. One maker from first cut to final polish.

Foundation curves are set by hand sanding. Trim and smoothen lens groove for smooth lens insert. Oil-wax is applied to read the surface—highs, lows, any irregular marks. Sand again. Oil again. Repeat until the form is calm.

Temples are shaped for comfort and economy of motion, then sanded extra smooth at skin-contact areas. The front angle is set one by one; stainless-steel hinges are seated in the front and temples. Assembly is provisional; fit and temple angle are adjusted until the frame sits with intention—balanced to the face.

Detailing follows as a whole. this time sanding to apply wood like texture, A final oil-wax cycle confirms the surface. The frame is disassembled, given a last oil, engraved with its number, and reassembled.

Kintsugi at TANAKA is our way of repairing a frame without erasing what happened. We restore strength first, then allow the repair to remain visible as a memory line. Each case begins with inspection: we confirm the damage can be stabilised, the frame can return to correct alignment, and the hinges and lens fit are secure. The damaged area is cleaned and precisely prepared, then bonded and left to cure fully. After curing, the seam is refined by hand and finished with a restrained kintsugi line that is designed to be seen, not hidden. Patina is welcomed. Kintsugi is reserved for meaningful breaks, not minor marks.

The companion objects are also made with care: an oil-edged leather case also crafted by the same artisan, a hand-branded Japanese screwdriver, a lens cloth, and a presentation box assembled by also the same artisan. A signed certificate completes the set. Archive presentations exclude cleaner and screwdriver.

  • Material
    Compressed paper composite (FSC® paper fibre). Non-reactive to heat. Water-resistant, non-porous. Surface deepens with UV over time.

    Components
    Stainless-steel hinges. Polyamide lenses. Local specialists fit sun and prescription lenses to each frame.

    Leather Case
    Vegetable-tanned leather, oil-edged and hand-crafted by same artisan. A quiet continuation of the design.

  • Built to keep.

    Material
    Compressed paper composite (FSC® paper fibre, resin-infused). Stable in heat and moisture; formed by sanding only. Paper-based frame—no petroleum acetate; no microplastic shedding. EPD available on request.

    Practice
    One frame, one artisan. Full traceability, fewer transfers, less waste. Serviceable build with stainless-steel hinges and replaceable lenses/screws. Local lens fitting where possible.

    Stewardship
    Five-year warranty. Refit, refinish, repair. Paper-based packaging; durable leather case for long use. Offcut-reuse system in development.

  • Designed to meet:

    • BS EN ISO 12870 (spectacle frames)

    • BS EN ISO 12312-1 (sunglasses)

    Marking
    CE applied to compliant models at release.

    Documentation
    Declaration of Conformity and test reports available on request.

  • Contact us for enquiries or to arrange a studio visit or online meeting.

Order by order. Space left for personal adjustment where required. Unhurried. No stock.