In the heart of Tokyos Nakano district, where tradition meets modernity, a quiet revolution in Japanese craftsmanship is unfolding. Welcome to NAKANOKUMO by artist Tasuku Murose and inventor Yasuyuki Nagato, a brand that elegantly bridges Japans storied past with its innovative present. With a dedication to heritage materials like urushi lacquer and the art of makie, NAKANOKUMO transforms cultural treasures into modern expressions of beauty, inviting a global audience to experience the richness of Japanese artistry.Natures Gift, ReimaginedFor centuries, Japans artisans have honored the natural world, transforming its giftswood, metal, and lacquerinto objects of profound beauty and purpose. At NAKANOKUMO, this legacy is reimagined for a modern audience. Each creation begins with a simple yet profound question: How can these ancient materials and techniques inspire a new way of living?Central to their work is urushi, a lacquer drawn from the sap of the urushi tree. With a history stretching back 9,000 years, urushi embodies resilience and elegance. Its deep, glossy finish is the result of a unique chemical reaction with air, creating a surface that is not only beautiful but also remarkably durable, resistant to acids, alkalis, and even the passage of time.Building on the timeless beauty of urushi, NAKANOKUMO combines its natural allure with contemporary design, creating objects that feel both grounded in heritage and relevant to modern life.The Art of Makie: A Dance of Gold and LacquerArtisan carefully brushing lacquer on the surfaceAt the heart of NAKANOKUMOs artistry lies makie, one of Japans most exquisite decorative techniques. This method, which originated in the Heian period over 1,400 years ago, involves sprinkling gold or silver powder over wet lacquer to create shimmering, intricate patterns. Once set, these metallic designs are embedded within additional layers of lacquer, polished to a luminous, mirror-like finish that captures the interplay of light and texture.NAKANOKUMOs makie creations are a testament to this delicate process, transforming accessories and home dcor into radiant works of art. Each piece offers a tactile experienceurushis silky smooth surface paired with makies shimmering brilliance captivates both touch and sight. Perfect for the minimalist wardrobe or as a centerpiece in your workspace, NAKANOKUMOs designs bring a timeless elegance to modern living.A Creative Hub in NakanoThe story of NAKANOKUMO is as much about people as it is about craft. Their Tokyo atelier, housed in an 80-year-old restored home, serves as a vibrant hub where artisans from diverse backgrounds gather to collaborate and innovate. This confluence of skills and perspectives results in designs that honor Japanese traditions while pushing the boundaries of what these crafts can achieve.This community-based approach makes NAKANOKUMOs atelier more than just a workspaceits a cultural dialogue, where the past meets the present and artistry shapes the future.Preserving an Endangered ArtEarrings from the Toh () collectionWhile urushi and makie are celebrated for their beauty, they are also under threat. The number of urushi trees has drastically dwindled, and the pool of skilled artisans continues to shrink. NAKANOKUMO is deeply committed to preserving these endangered crafts by sustaining the knowledge, tools, and materials necessary for their survival.Each piece crafted by NAKANOKUMO is a tribute to this legacy. By merging traditional techniques with modern applications, they ensure that these time-honored crafts not only endure but thrive for future generations.Rediscovering Beauty Through CraftBrooch from the Sai () collectionNAKANOKUMOs creations are more than just objectsthey are experiences that invite you to connect with the essence of Japanese artistry. Each piece tells a story of precision, care, and cultural heritage, transforming everyday life into something extraordinary.Whether youre drawn to the tactile smoothness of urushi lacquer or the radiant elegance of makie, every item is a reflection of Japans unparalleled craftsmanship. NAKANOKUMO invites you to explore their collection and discover the timeless beauty of tradition, reimagined.The post NAKANOKUMO: Reviving Japans Timeless Lacquer Craft for the Future first appeared on Yanko Design.

3D printing has revolutionized the design industry by making it easier to prototype ideas quickly and efficiently. This technology allows designers to experiment with new concepts without the high costs traditionally associated with prototyping. As a result, executing designs has become more affordable and accessible, opening up new avenues for creativity. Beyond design, 3D printing is now breaking into other industries, including fashion, with trailblazers like ELEGOO leading the charge.ELEGOO is not just a pioneer in 3D printing but also in empowering women to use technology to turn their ideas into reality. One prime example is an innovative robotic and modular dress system that will showcase the potential of 3D printing in fashion, inspiring a new wave of creators. This initiative highlights how 3D printing is transforming the fashion industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and expression.Designer: Anouk WipprechtClick Here to Buy Now: $209.99 $275 (23% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!Anouk Wipprecht and the Scale Dress: Futuristic FashionAnouk Wipprecht, a visionary Dutch FashionTech Designer and Engineer, has partnered with ELEGOO to push the boundaries of fashion technology. She has developed a new modular system for integrating motors into fabrics, revolutionizing how garments can interact with the wearer and environment. This collaboration marks a significant leap in the fusion of fashion and technology, showcasing the endless possibilities of innovative design.The Scale Dress is a groundbreaking creation from this collaboration, representing a futuristic approach to fashion. This robotic, open-source dress comprises multiple 3D-printed mechanical parts, each equipped with tiny servo motors. These motors animate the dress, creating dynamic movements around the body. Ingeniously, the mechanism is sandwiched between fabric layers, with its round shape evenly distributing weight to prevent sagging or imbalance.The Scale Dress not only captivates with its moving elements but also serves as a modular, open-source template for aspiring designers. Anouk Wipprecht has ensured that the design is accessible to those interested in robotic fashion. The servo-arms can be interchanged to hold various elements, addressing the challenge of integrating electronics with fabric and creating lifelike movements.To empower others to explore this innovative realm, Anouk has open-sourced the Scale Dress design on her Instructables page. In collaboration with ELEGOO, she provides a detailed step-by-step guide on creating your own robotic dress with moving parts. The guide focuses on utilizing 9g servo arms, enabling creators to experiment and personalize their designs with ease.This initiative not only highlights the potential of 3D printing and robotics in fashion but also encourages a new generation of designers to embrace technology. By sharing her knowledge and tools, Anouk Wipprecht is paving the way for more innovative and interactive fashion creations, inspiring others to explore the intersection of technology and design.ELEGOO With Her: Empowering the Next Generation of Women CreatorsThe ELEGOO With Her program is a remarkable initiative aimed at equipping more women and girls with 3D printing skills. And the debut of the Scale Dress marks the official launch of the program, followed by a roundtable featuring prominent female designers at Formnext 2024 in Frankfurt, the largest 3D Printing Fair in Europe. This will kick off the initiative that aims not just to revolutionize the 3D printing industry but also fashion tech.From November 19, 2024, to February 5, 2025, ELEGOO will recruit 30 women and girls for its empowerment program, providing them with 3D printers, software support, and mentorship. Participants will benefit from two months of online courses and workshops, culminating in a showcase of their work in April. This program is a testament to ELEGOOs commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the tech industry, empowering women to become leaders in 3D printing.ELEGOO Neptune 4 Series: Unleashing Creativity in Fashion DesignThe Scale Dress, designed for the FashionTech field, utilizes 3D-printed mechanical parts created with the ELEGOO Neptune 4 series 3D printers. The Neptune 4 series intelligent printing capabilities make it an ideal tool for blending technology and fashion. By enabling intricate designs and seamless integration of mechanical parts, this printer is a catalyst for innovation in FashionTech, pushing the boundaries of whats possible in the industry.This fusion of 3D printing technology and fashion is opening up new horizons for creativity and innovation. With pioneers like ELEGOO leading the way, the potential for groundbreaking designs and empowering diverse creators is limitless. As 3D printing continues to evolve, its impact on fashion and beyond will undoubtedly shape the future of design.Click Here to Buy Now: $209.99 $275 (23% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!The post Robotic Open-source Scale Dress Printed by ELEGOO Neptune 4 Series: 3D Printing in Fashion first appeared on Yanko Design.

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