developing a personal interest in japanese heritage and aesthetics, chilean architect mitsue kido presents her striking collection of lamps created through a deconstruction of traditional everyday objects. after opening her first studio in 2012, kido developed a series of installations and works inspired by the art of origami which much later transformed into a passion for lamps — eventually exhibited in new york and milan. kido is currently working in kyoto, japan, where she is thoroughly exploring the rich artisan tradition of the city and collaborating with several craftsmen.

mitsue kido deconstructs japanese objects into unusual lamps
the kanaami kiku lamp adopts a technique of weaving copper wire, symbolizing a chrysanthemum flower

 

 

by creating those lamps, mitsue kido highlights the essence of the everyday objects by dramatically altering their functions and therefore offering a new cultural reflection to the users. in order to achieve that effect, the architect has worked alongside artisans who adopt traditional techniques like kanaami. typically used for kitchenware, this approach combines copper, bronze and steel to produce concentric weaving patterns. furthermore, using japanese carpentry methods, she uses cypress wood to complete a floor lamp made out of three parts and evoking the country’s traditional landscapes. other crafting techniques includes furokishi, typically employed for kimonos, which consists of wrapping objects in cloth. 

05
shibori lamp created through the traditional textile technique used in kimono cloths

mitsue kido deconstructs japanese objects into unusual lamps
shibori lamp detail: the texture is granted through a technique based on a treatment of knots that create elasticity 

mitsue kido deconstructs japanese objects into unusual lamps
kanaami origami lamp includes a steel structure and mesh that recreates the basic folds of origami

mitsue kido deconstructs japanese objects into unusual lamps
detail: the lamp is created with elements of a sesame roaster, steel frames and a fine mesh

04
matsumata lamp recreates wooden stakes that guide the growth of young trees

mitsue kido deconstructs japanese objects into unusual lamps
made of cypress wood, the lamp is joined solely through carpenter assemblies

mitsue kido deconstructs japanese objects into unusual lamps
chasen lamp evokes the tea whisk used in ceremonies

mitsue kido deconstructs japanese objects into unusual lamps
original chasen (left) and its modified design for the collection (right)

mitsue kido deconstructs japanese objects into unusual lamps
bamboo cover with urushi or japanese lacquer

 

 

about the designer: 

 

mitsue kido is a chilean architects with japanese origins. she graduated from the pontifical catholic university of chile and is a participant in the young architects program organized by the museum of modern art (MoMA) in new york. 

 

 

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.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom