"Komorebi" / Cast Iron Bottomless Basket

THE PROJECT

Behind the distinction.

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PRIMARY FUNCTION : Cast Iron Bottomless Basket

INSPIRATION : There were companies that initially sought new applications and methods while having new digital technologies. For this company which had specialized in a specific B to B field, consulting for new market development and product development, we realized a product that reproduces the world's thinnest and ultra-fine pattern by sand casting.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION : Cast iron bottomless basket is a world's 1st & thinness, hyperfine patterned cast iron bottomless basket by sand mold. It is also useful as an art piece. Bottomless design concept as utilise iron's massive feeling & using table top to resemble bottom of basket. It will afford to a Japanese leading edge and spirituality, and the dignified worldview when you arrange that in space. "Komorebi" means sunlight filtering through trees in Japanese. "Komorebi" will give you a new spatial experience.

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY : The integration of digital technology and sand mold technology can be said to use cyber and physical technology. The world's thinnest cast iron product is melded by sand using digital technology, and the finish is given by the craftsman.

SPECIFICATIONS / DIMENSION / PACKAGE / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES : W : 260mm x D : 260mm x T : 60mm / Weight : 500g / Material : Cast Iron (sand mold) / Colour : "Nambu ironware" style black / Package Material : Cypress wood (Japanese traditional techniques)

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION : When removed from its packaging, it initially appears as nothing more than a simple ring, but once placed on a tabletop, its true nature as a basket becomes apparent. While functioning as an everyday tool, when placed alone, it exudes a distinctly Japanese aesthetic. Its appearance surprisingly blends seamlessly with various lifestyles and cultural influences, not only in Japanese interiors but also in Western and other settings. When light is shone upon it, shadows stretch from its jet-black body, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of sunlight filtering through trees. It evokes a poetic space even in silence, creating an ambiance similar to a Japanese alcove, interacting with everyday surfaces such as tabletops and floors. Despite being an iron product, its paper-thin finish delivers a powerful yet comforting presence and a sense of tranquility.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION : The project started in Tokyo in April 2014, ended in Tokyo in March 2018, and started promotion in Milan during the Salone del Mobile period in April 2018.

RESEARCH ABSTRACT : On the client side, we researched the forming strength by sand mold, and then we asked the university professor emeritus of the authority in the cast iron field for appraisal. As a result, it has been proved that the product has an unparalleled thinness and strength. Also currently it can only be manufactured technically in Japan.