japanese design in traditional crafts

2013 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23611013
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Design science
• Research Institution: Kyoto Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: NAKANO Yoshito 京都工芸繊維大学, 工芸科学研究科, 教授 (10243122)
• Project Period (FY): 2011 – 2013
• Keywords: デザイン / 伝統工芸 / 図案 / 京都 / グローバル / 文化

Research Abstract

Kyoto was staged for development as the capitol of Japan more than 1200 years ago, and so it was the home of various crafts to support daily life, while at the same time creating various furniture and clothing for the royalty and nobility. Because of this, many high grade techniques were developed and have been passed down to the present day.
The concept for this project originated with the idea that artisans specializing in the historically traditional crafts of Kyoto would collaborate with Nakano Lab to create pieces showcasing the relevance of traditional crafts in modern day life. Rather than we simply sketching designs and leaving the creation of the pieces to the artisans themselves, the idea was to come in contact with the materials used, break through technical barriers and truly experience the depths of traditional crafts while jointly creating works of art.