Product designer Ryosuke Fukusada works in collaboration with Ceramic Japan on the WATOJI collection. Ceramic Japan is a company from Seto, which is a region that is rooted in the deep heritage of traditional pottery making. The WATOJI collection is a range of flower vases that are crafted with inspiration from the art of bookbinding.
The vases themselves boast a modern visual and nod to the Japnese cultural practice. The two join forces to celebrate Japan's rich culture with its elegant and multifunctional design. Notably, the vase can be hung on the wall easily with the progressive use of Kyohumihimo, which is a special type of thread that is made by Shoen Humihimo. This strong thread bolds together two sheets of porcelain that look as thin as paper.
Image Credit: Ryosuka Fukusada
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Japanese Culture-honoring Vases
- Incorporating traditional crafts with modern aesthetics, the WATOJI collection showcases a fusion of heritage and contemporary design.
- Art of Bookbinding-inspired Designs
- The vases in the WATOJI series creatively draw inspiration from the intricate techniques of bookbinding, resulting in unique and functional pieces.
- Innovative Hanging Solutions
- The use of Kyohumihimo thread enables the vases to be hung on walls, offering a new way to display and appreciate ceramic artistry.
Sectors Adopting This
- Home Decor Industry
- The home decor industry can explore opportunities to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements, catering to consumers seeking unique and culturally-inspired pieces.
- Artisanal Pottery Sector
- Artisanal pottery businesses can consider innovative ways to incorporate ancient techniques like bookbinding into their creations, leading to a revival of traditional crafts in a modern context.
- Textile Manufacturing Field
- Textile manufacturers have the potential to experiment with specialized threads like Kyohumihimo to expand their product range and offer solutions that cater to diverse industries beyond traditional textile applications.
