MURAKAMI/WILLIAMS…Takashi and Pharrell introduce

Mr.Dob to Pharrell's seven favorite things

“The Simple Things” is the fruit of a collaboration between Takashi Murakami and Pharrell Williams. Together, the leader of the Japonism movement, artist, animation movies author and man in charge of the Kaikai Kiki Corporation, and the musician, producer and designer put a new light on a collection of promotional objects for products of everyday use.

Takashi Murakami created a new sculpture using his trademark character: “Mr.Dob”. Having taken too many magic mushrooms, this saucer-eyed monster reveals a sharp set of teeth. His wide-open mouth seems to protect Pharrell Williams’ seven favorite objects.

A bottle of Ketchup, a bag of Doritos, a condom’s wrapper, an Ice Cream sneaker, a bottle of Johnson’s baby lotion, a can of Pepsi and the famous cupcake. They are all made of different types of gold (white, yellow and pink) encrusted with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds.

“I wanted to bring attention to the singularity… of their original designs. Just like we ﬁnd balance thanks to fundamental values, these pieces were born out of simplicity.” Says Williams. “The simplest things are the most essential to our lives and we rarely pay attention to them enough. (I’m) originally from Virginia and now lucky enough to travel the world. I always try to rediscover the tastes, smells and memories of the ﬁrst time the world revealed itself to me.”

For years now, Pharrell Williams has been a fan of ﬁne jewerly. He started designing his own pieces with Jacob & Co in 1997 and became known for incorporating ﬂashiness into his style, which is why he picked them to fabricate the objects.

Whether recording music, walking the red carpet or doing fashion shoots; Williams is a leader in this era. It’s not a surprise that his decision to tone down his style has others following his lead, once again proving his undeniable inﬂuence.

“This collaboration has allowed me to surpass my limits and to use my highest level of knowledge, patience and technical innovation yet. The subject of this mysterious piece, as I created it, is a support on which to place jewels. When we look at Pharrellʼs objects we see that they are pieces that express the essential that remains after stripping away their trappings of art objects, jewels and pop culture icons. I try to express what it would be like to stuff these “Simple Things” into this mouth, to illuminate them and contemplate them with feigned innocence. The result is this work of art.” added Takashi Murakami.

Created in collaboration with famed jeweler Jacob & Co. Pharrellʼs objects took more than two years to complete and exemplify the highest level of craftsmanship and artistry. They are meticulously handcrafted in 18K gold (white, yellow and rose) and set with more than 26,000 diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires, some featuring hand-painted enamel, and others with actual functioning elements that further add to the life-like representation. “Each of these pieces is a unique work of art and a tribute to ʻextra-ordinaryʼ expression,” states Jacob & Co. Marketing Director, Denise Scala. “Pharrell is a long-time friend of Jacob & Co., it was a privilege to collaborate with him and bring his dream to reality.”

Image Credits:
“The Simple Things” 2008-2009
Glass fiber, steel, acrylic, wood, LED and 7 objects made of gold
(white, yellow and pink) set with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and
diamonds.)
74 x 43.3 x 39.7 inches
Unique piece