nucleo submerges 200-year-old italian oak tree in block of jade stone
all images courtesy of studio nucleo
created as an exclusive project for ammann gallery in cologne, germany, nucleo has formed ‘jade’ by fusing and experimenting with extraneous materials. throughout history, jade has been regarded as a precious and symbolic material stone. it has highlighted the jewelry of egyptian pharaohs, decorated the grave furnishings of china’s imperial family, and has served as weapons for the warriors of south american civilizations. used for elite purposes, the gem developed a long tradition of craftsmanship that is still evident in today’s society. taking note of the material’s previous uses, the design collective has formed a single block made of epoxy resin with a submerged organic material – a trunk cut from a 200-year-old italian oak tree – in the liquid polymer with pigment added. the reaction between the two parts of the mixture has developed floating bubbles and natural cracks that jaggedly travel throughout the cube as they surround the timber whose sectional rings are exposed on the top and bottom surfaces. the resulting hunk of verdant is raw and refined, as it collages nuances of green that vary in clarity and transparency to distort views into, across, and around its overall shape. the work suggests mineral deposits deep within the earth while still retaining a sense of high design.
‘jade’ 1 corner detail
natural cracks are a result of the fusing process
the pigment creates zones of transparency and clarity
‘jade’ 2, 25.7x36x46cm
‘jade’ 2 corner detail
closeup of a bubble within the mixture
bottom corner of the cube
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.
NUCLEO(11)
Apr 23, 2018
Dec 13, 2017
Dec 01, 2017
Oct 31, 2017
Sep 27, 2017PRODUCT LIBRARY
Nov 20, 2020
Nov 17, 2020
Nov 16, 2020
Nov 10, 2020
1 It’s resin, it’s not jade. Resin is a polymer, jade is a mineral.
2 Why the trunk of a tree?
3 Why a green pigment ?
4 Is it really a 200 year old italian oak tree? According to the visible cross section of its trunk, the tree looks younger
5 The dimensions of the block suggest the use of ‘jade’ as a seat. If you cut a trunk like this, you can use it as a stool (without adding resin). Cheaper, nicer. And you don’t even need a gas mask.
Will make great bookends and paperweight. However, story sounded desperate and far-fetched.
I first been interested to know how to liquify jade and keep the mineral properties as it cools down again, then this artwork would have been interesting.
Unstead I read carefully the article and learn that its epoxy. I agree with Mark here, you guys should be carefull about the semantic you use when writting articles. Even if its arty it is better to keep the technic used rationnal on this kind of work and not dive in the illusions the artist(s) is selling with is work too much.
Make me a Ronson table lighter, please.
Beyond a label – a nice piece. ..next could be Ruby, Yellow Diamond ..still looking good. Mark, think of all the flawed music personalities, politicians, movie stars, design mavens, etc. that you probably ascribe good qualities to..
Jim
Jim
So not Jade but Resin.
If i dip a nut in clear resin I can call it ‘submerged in diamant’?