The Curiorium Principles

High-quality materials

Each of our finds or artifacts is made from high-quality materials, often in keeping with the traditional methods used to create them… Although we realize that modern materials, such as plastic, are cheaper, they are accepted only when they are irreplaceable for safety or functional reasons. However, we will strive to find a better version.

Craftsmanship

The Curiorium Circle values the craftsmanship embodied in an artifact or that which inspires the rediscovery of a long-forgotten passion for creation. We are indifferent to how this noble spark manifests itself, whether through the beauty of calligraphy, puzzles of all kinds, or something of a more esoteric nature.

Inspiration

That mysterious driving force. The source of great works and profound transformations.
Curiorium believes that artifacts can stir it —through their beauty, through what they promise, and through how they promise to help you with your task, a task that often saps your will and your desire to act.

The Unusual

Curiorium has long wondered what happened to the unusual.
Why do so many objects seem designed only to blend in?
Where are the whimsical creations, the strange inventions, the artifacts that look as though they escaped from a wizard’s tower or a forgotten fairy tale?
People clearly still love such things.
Yet they are increasingly difficult to find.
Curiorium believes there should be room for wonder alongside practicality.
Room for curiosity.
Room for the unexpected.
So prepare yourself, traveler.
The rabbit hole begins here.

The Meaning of III, VI and IX

Throughout Curiorium, certain artifacts bear the markings III, VI or IX.
These symbols represent the path an artifact has taken before reaching the shelves of the chambers.

III — Discovery

Artifacts marked III have been discovered by the Curiorium Circle and selected for their quality, usefulness or ability to inspire.
They remain faithful to their original form and purpose.
A worthy discovery deserves recognition.

VI — Refinement

Some discoveries reveal possibilities beyond their original design.
Artifacts marked VI have been refined, adapted or expanded upon by the Curiorium Circle in order to better reveal their potential.
The foundation remains, but the journey has continued.

IX — Creation

Artifacts marked IX represent creations born from experience, experimentation and countless lessons learned along the way.
They are not merely discovered or refined.
They are created.
An IX artifact embodies both function and philosophy, carrying the accumulated knowledge of everything that came before it.

Why III, VI and IX?

The Curiorium Circle has long been fascinated by these numbers and the ideas associated with them.
Three represents beginnings and choices.
Six represents growth, balance and development.
Nine represents completion and mastery.
Whether one sees symbolism, coincidence or merely an unusual numbering system is of little importance.
The artifacts themselves tell the story.
And now, traveler, should you encounter a III, a VI or perhaps even an IX, you will know why.

Purpose and Reliability

An artifact should fulfill the purpose for which it was created.
Beauty, wonder and inspiration are all welcome within Curiorium, but they should never come at the expense of usefulness, reliability or safety.
A scale should weigh.
A journal should invite writing.
A mill should grind.
A support should support.
When an artifact promises a function, it should strive to fulfill it faithfully.
Whenever possible, we prefer solutions that are durable, practical and safe to use.
For Curiorium, usefulness is not opposed to beauty.
It is part of it.