sumisaya case combines katana sword craftsmanship with 3D printing

sumisaya case combines katana sword craftsmanship with 3D printing
all images courtesy of kabuku inc. and studio shikumi inc.

kabuku inc. and studio shikumi inc. announced the release of the world’s first art product that integrates the craftsmanship of traditional japanese katana swords into the innovative design capabilities of current technological processes. the project consists of a blade made by craftsmen who inherit techniques with more than 400 years of history in the kansai region, and a 3D printed case called ‘sumisaya’.

the 3D printed sword accessory reflecting katana aesthetics

the housing has been shaped in a way that reflects the intimate beauty of the weapon, especially its ‘hamon’. the term refers to an elegant and distinct swerving line down the center of its body as sharp cross sections evoke an intense visual presence. as these elements are typically hidden in other cases, here they are meant to provide a completely new way of katana appreciation. the sword’s three-dimensional computer data will be available for free download on rinkak, a manufacturing market place applying digital fabrication to contemporary works. additionally, the piece will be exhibited at ba-tsu art gallery located at omotesando tokyo on november 16, 2014.

details of sharp cross sections

the design focuses on the ‘hamon’, an elegant and distinct swerving line down the center of the sword

in order to achieve glass clear surface, the studios carried out three rounds of meticulous polishing with a careful clear top coating

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.