At Bench
Every frame begins as a flat plate of compressed paper composite. The first cut is digital: the outline, the lens beds, the surface lines. Lamination establishes the blank at full thickness. From here, only hands.
No heat forming. No shortcuts. One maker from first cut to final polish.
Foundation curves are established by hand sanding. The lens groove is refined for precise seating. Oil-wax is applied to read the surface: highs, lows, and any irregularity. Then the frame returns to sanding. Oil again. Sand again. The cycle continues until the form becomes calm.
Temples are shaped for comfort and economy of motion, then finished more finely at the points that meet the skin. The front angle is set one by one. Stainless-steel hinges are seated into front and temple. Assembly remains provisional until the balance is correct and the frame sits with intention on the face.
Detail follows across the whole object. Surface lines are refined by hand to guide light across rim and bridge. A final oil-wax cycle confirms the surface. The frame is then disassembled, given its last finish, engraved with its serial number, and reassembled.
In selected cases involving cracking or chipping, TANAKA may offer a kintsugi-informed restoration approach. The purpose is to return strength while allowing a visible memory of the repair to remain. Each case begins with inspection: whether the damage can be stabilised, whether alignment can be recovered correctly, and whether hinge and lens integrity can be maintained.
After curing, the seam is refined by hand and finished with restraint. Patina is part of the life of the frame. Kintsugi-informed restoration is reserved for selected structural damage, not ordinary wear.
The companion objects are made with the same care: an oil-edged leather case crafted by the same artisan, a hand-branded Japanese screwdriver, a lens cloth, and a presentation box assembled by hand. A signed certificate completes the set. Archive presentations exclude cleaner and screwdriver.
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Material
Compressed paper composite made from FSC® paper fibre. Non-reactive to heat. Water-resistant and non-porous. The surface deepens in tone and polish with use and time.Components
Stainless-steel hinges. Polyamide lenses. Sun and prescription lenses are fitted by selected local specialists.Leather Case
Vegetable-tanned leather, oil-edged and hand-crafted by the same artisan. A quiet continuation of the frame. -
Built to remain in use.
One frame, one artisan. Full traceability. Fewer transfers of judgment. Serviceable construction with stainless-steel hinges and replaceable lenses and screws. A five-year warranty from the date of completion. Adjustment, repair, and selected restoration form part of the object from the beginning.
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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 relevant test documentation available on request. -
For enquiries, studio visits, or online appointments, please contact the atelier directly.