Artful Omakase: Five Creative Encounters at Sushi L’Abysse Osaka

Stepping into Sushi L’Abysse Osaka is a transportive moment. In this 37th-floor sanctuary at Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, soaring above the city’s bustling energy, the spirit feels instantly soothed, setting the stage for an exploration of subtle sensations and delicate emotions.

Building upon the contemporary interiors by DESIGN STUDIO SPIN, acclaimed scenographer Laurence Bonnel-Alléno curates a space reflecting the vision of L’Abysse, extending from Paris to Monte Carlo and now Osaka.

Bonnel’s adroit imagination merges selected artistic elements to offer a tranquil escape where diners can fully immerse in the sensorial symphony crafted by two master chefs. Playing a key role in her creative process is the quintessentially French notion of savoir-faire — perhaps best translated as poise, grace and appropriateness.

“To support the extraordinary cuisine of L’Abysse, our design had to be more than just decorative work. It needed soul, which is born from carefully considered artistic choices,” she explains. “Each piece is unique, meticulously conceptualized and handcrafted by artists, with their commitment embodying the true essence of savoir-faire.”

The spirit of Sushi L’Abysse Osaka unveils itself through five artistic encounters:

1. Tapestry by KRJST Studio. At the entrance, guests are welcomed by an astonishing six-metre-long tapestry, a more expansive expression of KRJST Studio’s Haïku at Scene Ouverte, Bonnel’s Paris-based design gallery. Textiles and poetry weave together to evoke the evanescence of all things, conjuring an ever-changing landscape in warm white, brown and copper hues.

Inspired by the haiku, a short-form poem of Japanese origin, the tapestry celebrates fleeting emotions and sensations. Its genesis can be traced back to Ukiyo-e (floating world), an influential art movement born in 17th century Japan. Founded by Justine de Moriam and Erika Schillebeeckx, KRJST Studio brings contemplation to the forefront of the contemporary art scene.

2. The Nest by Tadashi Kawamata. Unfolding along the ceiling is an intricate composition by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata. Crafted with chopsticks made from natural, untreated hinoki (Japanese cypress), the overhead work undulates like a nest above the sushi counter, casting its lightly calming influence over culinary discoveries.

Kawamata, who is widely known for his architectural wooden structures, is also the man behind the famed “chopsticks” installation at the entrance of L’Abysse in Paris, located on the Champs-Elysees. Born in the remote mountains of Hokkaido, Kawamata was quickly drawn to the aesthetics of metropolises; he considers himself a street artist who intervenes within his environment and reinvents space.

3. Ceramic Corals by William Coggin. Pristine sea foam, serene coral reefs and the remarkable texture of carefully prepared rice - these are the motifs that flow across the central wall at Sushi L’Abysse Osaka. Sculpted by hand, William Coggin’s ceramic tiles offer an abstract musing on the gifts of water, lending a distinct sense of purity to the dining space. Framing the vertical work are leather wall panels, producing a striking contrast of textures and colours.

Working out of his studio in Brooklyn, New York, Coggin explores the possibilities of the ceramic medium. His work consists of ceramic objects and installations that are freeform, organic and highly sculptural in nature.

4. Origami Vases by Caroline Desile. Mirroring the geometric forms of origami, the bas-relief ceramic vases by Caroline Desile lend an element of structure to the interior. The pieces are entirely handmade, minimally shaped with tools to emphasize their raw materiality and tactile experience. Each vase stands as an individual entity, yet together they make a uniquely cohesive ensemble; the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

A ceramic artist based in Bordeaux, France, Desile’s work is driven by a reflection on construction, stemming from a desire to reconnect with tangible materials after 15 years as an urban architect.

5. Floor Lamps by Celia Bertrand. Twin floor lamps, wrought in porcelain and etched with iron and white gold leaves, introduce a touch of poetry and delicacy. Crafted by Celia Bertrand, these exquisite works evoke the fragile beauty of sakura — a blossom that holds a cherished place in Japanese culture.

As an artist based in Paris, Bertrand’s work is guided by both her master’s degrees: one in Art History and Archaeology, the other in Heritage Valorization.

Bonnel’s eye for detail brings the story of L’Abysse to breathtaking life, transporting guests into a timeless universe where the omakase journey takes centre stage. Standing as a bridge between the modern French sensibility of Chef Yannick Alléno and the traditional sushi expertise of Chef Itaru Yasuda, this innovative restaurant serves as a meeting and mingling ground for two of the world’s most celebrated culinary cultures.