Chambre Copper and Teak Hanging Mobile by Riki Watanabe

Chambre Copper and Teak Hanging Mobile by Riki Watanabe — three copper discs on teak arms, turning slowly in the air, designed by Riki Watanabe for a Tokyo hotel bar.

A Design Classics re-edition, made in Japan by Metrocs.

The Design Story

Riki Watanabe was born in Tokyo in 1911, studied woodcraft at the Tokyo Higher School of Arts and Design and learned under the architect Bruno Taut at the Gunma Industrial Arts Center before opening his own office in 1949. His low-cost Himo string chair of 1952 made his name, and his team went on to design showrooms and hotel lounges. For the main bar of the Shinbashi Dai-ichi Hotel, Chambre, he hung mobiles made of the metal he loved most: copper. In 2017 the Tokyo brand Metrocs brought the design back.

Why You’ll Love It

Copper discs, teak arms and almost nothing else: the Chambre is a lesson in how little a beautiful object needs. The warm metal catches the light as it turns, the teak gives it a quiet weight, and the whole piece moves just enough to make a room feel alive.

Made for Real Life

Hang it once and it asks only for an occasional dusting; let the copper age or polish it, as you like. More design classics: Kuen Surface Silver Pendant Necklace by Man Ray and Man Ray Chess Pieces and Board Set.

Product Details

Where It Shines

Over a dining table, in a stairwell, by a window or in a hotel or restaurant lobby.

Questions We Hear Most

Who was Riki Watanabe?

One of the founders of modern Japanese design (1911–2013), known for the Himo string chair of 1952, clocks, stools and interiors.

Why copper for the Chambre?

Copper was Watanabe’s favorite material, and the mobile was made for a bar he and his team designed at the Shinbashi Dai-ichi Hotel in Tokyo.

Which interiors suit the Chambre mobile? (our styling advice)

Japandi, mid-century and warm minimal rooms; the copper picks up brass, walnut and terracotta tones.

How much space does the Chambre need?

About 50 cm high and 43 cm wide, plus room to turn; the cord is roughly 1 m long.

Does the Chambre really move?

Yes: the three elements turn gently in the air from the room, so the composition is never quite the same twice.

Is this an original or a reissue?

A reissue: Metrocs put Watanabe’s mobile back into production in Japan in 2017.

For the Trade

Sourcing for a client’s home, a hotel, a studio or a corporate gift program? Members of the LoftModern Trade Program (interior designers, architects, contractors, builders, home stagers and commercial buyers) receive trade pricing, up to 20% off retail on eligible brands, plus round-the-clock concierge support for stock checks and lead times. Apply once with your business details; we reply by email with your account.

Why We Love It

Japanese modernism you can watch move.

Shipping Info