Furniture Design Project
Creation as Dialogue
In collaboration with Oonoya Butsudan
2022-2023
Request Pricing: info@creation-as-dialogue.jp
Butsudan (Buddhist altars) are made through various processes by up to eleven different craftsmen. Urushi, (lacquer in Japanese), is a traditional craft representative of Japan, and is one of the most distinct and visually striking elements of a Butsudan. Urushi is a sap collected from lacquer trees grown only in East Asia, and have been used for thousands of years. When dried, the sap can be used as a highly durable paint with a glossy texture. Urushi artisan applies a glossy-finish lacquer to the wooden structure several times over several weeks while paying close attention to avoid dust. Urushi made through sincere work lasts for many years by repairing its coating when it is damaged after decades of use.
The traditional black lacquered panels on a Butsudan have been reinterpreted into a new form. “Urushi Partition” is foldable, portable and a beautiful way to make a backdrop to add privacy, or gently separate spaces.
Unlike traditional partitions with hard rectangular geometry, “Urushi Partition” has a gentle rounded form that softly blends into its surroundings. The unique black lacquer finish has a matte non-reflective surface when viewed frontally, but glossy and reflective like a mirror when viewed at an angle. The lacquer acquires its true visual depth as it ages for decades.
Whether it’s placed in homes, hotels, restaurants, or other public areas the abstract appearance allows flexibility in a wide range of interior spaces.
•
The “Creation as DIALOGUE” project, sponsored by the City of Nagoya to support the overseas marketing of traditional industries, is designed to help bearers of traditional industries rooted in Nagoya to communicate their value to the world while utilizing their skills and identity.
Nagoya and the Chubu region, where the soil of craftsmanship created by a rich culture has been formed since ancient times, continues to pass on traditional skills and spirituality to this day. This project will focus on the exceptional skills and attitude toward manufacturing that are unique to Nagoya, the center of Japanese craftsmanship, and which have supported the lifestyle and culture of the people of Nagoya. We will enrich people’s lives and enhance the value of the city of Nagoya by proposing and disseminating our products to the world.
Our goal is not to create new value and only introduce it to overseas markets, but to build sales channels for local craftsmanship that connect the dots and integrate it into the local culture and lifestyles of the target markets, eventually creating a rich and proud culture and industry in Nagoya through the brand and through dialogue between people and production centers around the world. We aim to create a rich and proud culture and industry in Nagoya through dialogue between people from around the world and local producers. Our goal is not to create new value and only introduce it to overseas markets, but to build sales channels for local craftsmanship that connect the dots and integrate it into the local culture and lifestyles of the target markets, eventually creating a rich and proud culture and industry in Nagoya through the brand and through dialogue between people and production centers around the world. We aim to create a rich and proud culture and industry in Nagoya through dialogue between people from around the world and local producers.
•
Photography by STUDIO crossing
•
