woven leather akob lamp by tjiang supertini

‘akob’ lamp by tjiang supertini

the ‘akob’ lamp is produced using the ancient indonesian basket weaving technique. conceived by tjiang supertini, the lighting design is made from leather strips that are laser cut into specific widths and lengths to ensure weaving consistency, combining the traditional craft with more contemporary means of production.

each object is made by hand using a slot-joint system which is woven around a sort of mould, which is then boiled in water, shrinking the material around this structure in order to shape the leather into the desired form. ‘akob’ is then left to dry for two-three days in order to achieve structural elegance at which point it is released and finished for use.

‘akob’ lamp was realized as part of the ‘VS’ project hosted by furniture manufacturer air division in collaboration with one of singapore’s design institutions, nangyang academy of fine arts, which offers young creatives to establish themselves in the furniture market through different partnerships and initiatives.

the lamp is made hand woven using a slot-joint system

full view of the lamp which is boiled once woven around a mould to achieve the final desired form

the natural openings from the weaving technique allow light to filter through

various views of ‘akob’

from left to right: laser cutting, slotting joint detail, and boiling the form in water

documentation of leather experimentation