why:
To securely connect Japan's present leading wood industry to the future.
The craftsmanship of shipwright technology that supported the "Awahan" naval forces of Tokushima Prefecture was handed down from the Edo period. This technology developed from the Meiji to the Showa period as a major production area for box furniture that mainly focused on chest drawers, mirrors, and altars. However, Japan's traditional industrial value of production had fallen to 1/5 in the past 40 years. Tokushima's wood industry has been declining year by year, due to changes in modern lifestyle. Along with the rise of cheaper overseas products, Japan's leading box furniture production drove into prosperity. Where the wood industry was going out of business, we questioned what kind of design could revive the industry to create new opportunities for highly skilled carpenters of Tokushima.
Changes in production value of
traditional craft industry.
how:
A geometrically perfect shape.
Jewelry box "SQUARES" was produced together with the famous manufacturer "Kitatani" known to ship leather furniture to the imperial family. "SQUARES" applied Tokushima's unique mirror-based manufacturing technology, such as polishing sheepskin with resin. The design motif is a combination of squares of all the possible different sizes, known as "Perfect Rectangles" to express its timeless beauty as a product. Furthermore, the one square in the center plays the role of a lock, whereby pushing then pulling this element, the drawers of the surroundings can open. It is a mechanism incorporating the playfulness unique to the jewelry box.
now:
Although the design was highly appreciated, the original purpose still needs to be reached.
The prototype of the jewelry box applied the high technology of Kitatani has gained a reputation in various places. Unfortunately, the company was in a crisis such as being forced to bankruptcy due to poor management. Our purpose is to create new markets, movements, and relationships through branding and communication strategies, to save as many artisans and production areas as possible. These designs were a part of a series of projects NOSIGNER and Eisuke Tachikawa worked on, as a traditional industrial producer in Tokushima prefecture from 2007 to 2009. This series brought about valuable experiences that would determine our future missions.
what:
SQUARES
when:
2009
where:
Tokushima, Japan
who:
Product Design
Product Design
NOSIGNER (Eisuke Tachikawa)
Manufacturer
Manufacturer
Kitatani
Photo
Photo
Masaharu Hatta
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