‘liquid to solid’ exhibition explores traditional japanese form-making technique kanshitsu
kanshitsu is a sculpting technique, creating forms by using composite natural fiber materials for the structure and urushi (japanese lacquer) as a resin.
prefer designboom on google[FEATURED]
kenji toki and mitsuhiro kanada have introduced their exhibition project ‘liquid to solid’ that explores traditional japanese form-making method kanshitsu (dry lacquer). the designers’ research reveals the possibility of kanshitsu being able to substitute FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) positively, after having conducted sufficient testing on the structural physical properties of the specific material and technique.
FRU stool 2012: made only of urushi and hemp fiber
all images cuortesy of kenji toki and mitsuhiro kanada
‘although the famous auguste rodin praised kanshitsu, it died out for more than 1,300 years’ kenji toki and mitsuhiro kanada share. this technique is a way of creating forms by using composite material that consists of natural fiber, such as hemp, for the structure and urushi (japanese lacquer) as a resin. this method has the same principle as FRP, proving that japanese people were hundreds of years ahead of their time. one additional quality of kanshitsu, is that it uses naturally recyclable material.
the ‘liquid to solid’ exhibition could successfully showcase the many possibilities that kanshitsu provides. in a future display, the designers could highlight the how capable the technique is in the process of designing and fabricating various contemporary products with lightness and durability. such products that have already been realized using kanshitsu are: the FRU stool (2012), the legless chair (2016), various table designs and even credit cards.
legless chair 2016: kanshitsu, paper honeycomb composite.
table 2016: made only of urushi, hemp fiber and paper honeycomb – strong enough for a daily use
low table 2020: made only of urushi, hemp fiber and paper honeycomb – this table weighs only 3.7 kg
low table 2020 – detail
urushi has been understood as a coating technique, but there is a variety of ways in which it can be used, such as in creating credit cards
the statue of ashura, a national treasure of japan, was made with kanshitsu consists of hemp fiber and urushi in 1.300 years ago and it is still existing intact
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.
shop
your own online design shop — no sales commission collected
