jo nagasaka's shrine tables colorfully highlight natural wood grain

jo nagasaka’s shrine tables colorfully highlight natural wood grain
all images © takashi mochizuki

tokyo-based studio schemata architects / jo nagasaka will be participating in milan design week 2016 with the debut of two separate presentations. one being held at the triennale di milano, the japanese firm will be involved with the ‘alamak! design in asia’ exhibition. the show will focus on two collections: the ‘coloring_shrine table’ and a series of ceramic cups called ‘twintsugi’ – both designs exploring the rich and rooted craftsmanship taken from japan.

the coloring_shrine table explores old taken from japan and combines 3D modelling technology

the ‘coloring’ tables draws influence from a typical shrine table. crafted from the application of three layers of different colored paint onto a textured wood surface. this method called ‘udukuri, is a traditional woodcraft technique which involves the uneven paint surface being sanded until a flat to reveal the natural wood grain pattern.

‘we took inspiration from tsugaru nuri, the traditional lacquer technique succeeded by craftsmen in aomori, japan, and the new method was made by integrating tsugaru nuri and udukuri.’ – jo nagasaka, schemata architects

the wood grain is produced using the method ‘udukuri’ – the application of colored paint onto the textured wood

the ‘twintsugi’ explores the technique of kintsugi; the japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted with gold, silver or platinum. this approach produces a delicate ‘landscape’ on the surface of the ceramic. combined with modern technologies, the end product has resulted in the subtle joining of two cups and turns the pieces into ‘twins’.

the twintsugi placed on top of the coloring_shrine table

alamak! is a frequently spoken word in many south east asian countries as well as in japan, which connotes the meaning of ‘what a surprise!’ .the alamak! exhibition will bring together 12 designers from asia to make a contemporary impression on our perception of what ‘design in asia’ is. the exhibition will be on view as a part of the XXI triennale di milano 2016 ’21st century. design after design’ event from 12 april – 12 september, 2016.