TAKT Project digitally empowers Japanese lacquer traditions for KISHU+

TAKT Project respectfully and digitally empowers Japanese lacquer crafts for KISHU+

Ancient Japanese lacquering techniques meet 3D Printing and rippling computer effects. TAKT Project merges centenary traditions with cutting edge technologies for design lacquerware brand KISHU+. Not a replacement, but a way to preserve and update, respectfully.

TAKT Project for KISHU+ - Photo by Masayuki Hayashi

TAKT Project for KISHU+ – All photos by Masayuki Hayashi

Paris 2018 – At Maison Objet, TAKT Project presents the debut collection of KISHU+, a lacquerware design accessories brand from the Wakayama prefecture in Japan. The company incorporates modern technologies harnessing from the know-how of local producing areas such as Maki-e and Negoro-nuri in the name of “liberal craftsmanship”.

“We have great respect of traditional craftsmanship but we are challenging to go forward with a more liberal approach by incorporating modern technology” explains name, co-founder of TAKT Project. “These things are not a replacement for hard craftsmanship, but a challenge for further extend it.” Explain at KISHU+.

The SAKKAKU Maki-e box was designed by digital 3D technology being projected on a cuboid and painted by hand. When viewed from a certain angle, the maki-e becomes visible once more. Long story short: think digital, draw by hand. The Maki-e Japanese technique involves decorating with gold or silver powder on lacquered surfaces with a traditional brushes.

The SHIZUKU pendant lamp applies Maki-e not simply to a decoration, but rather to a efficient reflected light. The HIGURE table lamp features hand painted maki-e with its subtle variations to transform the hard electric light to create a soft light inspired by sunsets’ hues.

“By utilizing the characteristics of hand painted maki-e, we have created a king of soft variation not usually found in home electronics.” Explain at TAKT Project. The debut collection feature also ORI glossy sheet-metal trays and MINAMO candle holder which creates an elegant ripple effect by using computers simulation and then painting with in-jet black lacquer.

3D digital design meets craftsmanship. The SHIMA single-flower vases are both hand-worked and machine-worked coating Japanese lacquer on a aluminum extruded material. The uneven form of TOGI wooden box is carefully carved out using computer control. The lacquered surface is then polished by hand creating a three-dimensional effect.

For the MICHIKAKE mirror “we lacquered on a glass surface for the first time. The lacquer plays a role in the frame as well. At the same time the differences in texture produce three attractive variations in reflection”.

For the KAKERA metal polyhedron boxes glossy lacquer is applied on each facet and then polished by the edges according to the Negoro-nuri technique to create a comfortable feeling. Negoro-nuri ancient technique requires black lacquer being coated multiple times before coating a final single vermillion lacquer on top.