Interview about Limpid Stream Glass Tableware, winner of the A' Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Award 2021
The design Limpid Stream is a mass of rhythmically arranged cat's pupil and it makes people feel as if they filled in the flow of waterfall. And the upper view of a mass of cat's pupils is interesting by reflecting the other cat's pupils when transparent liquor is poured because the cat's pupil is cut into V shape at a wide angle. So this visual effect makes mind refreshed in the water flow and gives people a sense of peace of mind. There are various types of Limpid Stream glassware such as wine glasses, sake cups, plates and rocks glasses, which enrich daily life.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsI was experimenting with expressing the flow of water by arranging streamlined droplets. I eventually arrived at a design where I rhythmically layered what I call "cat's pupil patterns" with fine, streamlined cuts, leaving small and large gaps. In kiriko glass cutting, layering numerous intricate cuts is essential to achieve a balanced arrangement. However, as no preliminary sketching is possible, it requires years of craftsmanship to maintain balance while executing the cuts skillfully. The result was the creation of a fantastical visual effect.
The "cat's pupil pattern" was inspired and designed while exploring droplet shapes necessary to express water flow. The cutting angles of the grinding wheel attached to the kiriko glass-cutting machine were precisely calculated to cut this cat's pupil pattern. Since standard commercial products couldn't accommodate the required specifications, a specially customized grinding wheel was ordered from the manufacturer.
The shape of the "cat's pupil pattern" changes depending on the cutting angle of the grinding wheel. Therefore, simulations were conducted in advance to analyze the grinding shapes at different angles. By arranging these simulated shapes, extensive trial and error was undertaken to determine how the overall design balance would be affected. Through this process, the most optimal wheel angle was derived.
This two-layered glass is crafted with a transparent inner layer and a thin-colored glass layer on the outer surface. Using a grinding wheel to shave the surface, the colored glass is removed, exposing the transparent glass beneath. At this stage, the ground transparent glass takes on a frosted appearance. It is further polished with several polishing wheels to restore transparency, resulting in a beautifully shimmering kiriko glass.This design consists of a collection of numerous "cat's pupil patterns," and each ground pattern must be carefully polished individually. This process demands significant patience and concentration to achieve the desired result.
Arranging the "cat's pupil patterns" like a jigsaw puzzle and intentionally leaving certain pieces unfilled in a regular pattern achieves a pleasantly rhythmic beauty. Furthermore, to make the drink's color visible when poured, it was necessary to maximize the size of each piece and increase the transparent areas. To accomplish this, the gaps between adjacent patterns were meticulously minimized through delicate cutting, achieving a harmonious balance of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.
The "cat's pupil pattern" consists of two elongated, streamlined shapes arranged in pairs. Since many aspects of human anatomy are structured in pairs, the paired design resonates well with human sensibilities. This repetition of patterns evokes a sense of meditative tranquility and peace that feels pleasing to people. This design has been seamlessly incorporated into everyday glassware, making it functional and aesthetically harmonious.
When cutting with the grinding wheel, the shape of the "cat's pupil pattern" changes depending on the curvature of the glass surface. However, to maintain the alignment of the paired patterns and the relationships between pairs, the number of divisions for the concentric arrangement of the paired patterns is adjusted. This approach allows the design to adapt seamlessly to various types of glassware.
In two-layered glassware, the colored glass tends to become thicker toward the bottom. Shallow cuts in this area need to be ground sufficiently to expose a more significant transparent portion. Consequently, shallow cuts near the bottom may result in overlapping grinding sections between adjacent patterns. To achieve a smooth tactile finish, optimal adjustments were made to applying the polishing wheel, ensuring a seamless and refined texture.
Traditional kiriko cutting techniques often feature sharp, deep, and bold cuts, along with numerous fine, straight-line cuts. In contrast, this design consists of an assembly of small, shallow fundamental patterns, which opens up the potential for various thematic applications through different combinations. Additionally, the shallow cuts create fascinating effects, such as the sparkle of transmitted light from the side of the glass and the intricate brilliance of reflected light when seen from above. This style could evolve into one of the genres of modern kiriko design, offering a fresh perspective on this traditional craft.
Using a customized grinding wheel to make cuts efficiently, the work can be carried out with minimal machine power, emphasizing environmental sustainability. Additionally, this design is highly adaptable to various types of glassware and can sustainably evolve to fit future glass designs, reflecting a focus on cultural sustainability. Moreover, this design's balanced cuts and meticulous polishing are grounded in traditional handwork craftsmanship. This approach is intended to be carried forward, ensuring the continuation of these time-honored techniques.
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