At the latest edition of Maison & Objet, Japanese architect Toyo Ito presented his latest collaboration with Italian design manufacturer Alessi. The MU stainless steel cutlery set is the latest addition to a family of objects for the table.

Ito has previously designed the KU porcelain service in 2006, which is now complemented by the MU cutlery set (MU means "hexagon" in Japanese). "Sharp, yet with a touch of sensitivity and elegance… linear, yet with an organic quality of plants…," states Ito, "we intend to shift our familiar sensations with chopsticks onto cutlery."

The hexagonal section of each handle is created using a mould and the intricate manufacturing process involves various stages. The precision of the slim, full handle is reminiscent of the shape of Oriental chopsticks and seeks to contrast with the rounded profiles of the spoons and the knife blades.

The MU cutlery set table service includes a table spoon, table fork and table knife, dessert spoon, dessert fork, dessert knife, pastry fork, tea spoon, coffee spoon and a mocha coffee spoon. The range also features four types of serving cutlery: salad set, ladle, cake server, and serving spoon and fork.