SHIN | KŌBŌ
Handmade wood objects from Christian’s workshop in the Vosges — created for practice, space and everyday life.
Part of the SHIN | CoVentures ecosystem
SHIN | KŌBŌ
Kōbō (工房) means workshop or atelier. It stands for things created by hand, with material, function and form brought together deliberately.
KŌBŌ is not anonymous serial production. A piece should work meaningfully, bring pleasure when it is seen and used, and carry the signature of its maker.
Made in Christian’s workshop in the Vosges.
THE PERSON BEHIND KŌBŌ
Christian Brandner spent 42 years in sales across banking, insurance and construction. At 62, he retired — and began restoring old chests, ladders, mirrors and flea-market finds.
The projects grew: an extension, a summer kitchen, a playroom, a carport and more work with wood. Then Patrice asked him to make training objects and other wooden pieces for his practice.
From making grew something Christian had long not trusted himself to do. First came wood, then BUDŌ — and from this path, SHIN | KŌBŌ.
“Creating something is something I once never thought was among my abilities. Today, I am very proud of it.”
“I want people to remember me and know that the object is a part of me.”
BUDŌ SERIES
Handmade training objects where material, function and conscious use come together.
REFERENCE PIECE · HANBŌ COLLECTION
The Hanbō Collection brings handcrafted training objects and their matching wooden holder into one calm, functional composition. Natural grain, purposeful use and a clear presence in the room belong together.
Shown as a reference piece, not as an off-the-shelf product. Individual ideas and commissions can be discussed.
Make a BUDŌ inquiryKAGŪ SERIES
Individual furniture pieces and functional wood objects that begin with a real need and carry Christian’s personal signature.
REFERENCE PIECE · THE WOODEN CHEST
The wooden chest shows how KAGŪ approaches a commission: purpose and use lead the process, material and craft give it form, and the finished object becomes part of the room.
A reference for KŌBŌ’s way of working — without suggesting standard availability.
Discuss a KAGŪ project
CRAFTED IN THE VOSGES
Every KŌBŌ piece is made in Christian’s workshop in the Vosges — step by step, by hand, and with attention to material and function.
YOUR IDEA
Whether one of the reference pieces caught your attention or you have an idea of your own — tell us briefly what you have in mind.
SHIN | KŌBŌ · Craft. Function. Stance.