Origami Shikki

Lacquerware Paper Plate for Paper Parade Inc.

Origami Shikki is a lacquer ware (paper plate) made of Japanese paper (Washi). The design is a fusion of origami techniques and traditional Japanese technology. Unlike conventional paper plates, the lacquer treatment makes them waterproof and durable, and they can be washed and reused over and over again. Origami Shikki's geometric designs are created using the Origami technique of folding from a single sheet of paper. The paper used for Origami Shikki is made using the traditional Echizen Washi technique, which produces a unique pattern on the surface of the plate.

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Origami Shikki by Atsushi Morita

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Lacquerware Paper Plate by Atsushi Morita

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Atsushi Morita Origami Shikki

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Atsushi Morita Lacquerware Paper Plate

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Paper Parade Inc Brand Logo

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Origami Shikki Lacquerware Paper Plate Press Releases

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Origami Shikki Lacquerware Paper Plate Media Articles

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Unique Properties

Origami Shikki (Japanese paper lacquerware) was designed based on the concept of fusing the origami technique with the traditional industries of washi paper and lacquerware. Combining these traditional elements with their design sensibilities and contemporary lifestyle, Origami Shikki is an innovative expression of Japanese tradition. By redesigning Japanese paper as lacquerware, they created an opportunity to rethink tradition and consider a sustainable future for Japan's traditional industries.

Tags

tableware, lacquerware, dish, traditional craft, Japanese paper

Production Technology

While washi is an easily processable material, it is also more brittle than other materials and vulnerable to water. So it have enhanced the water resistance and robustness of washi by applying a lacquer treatment to it, and have created a three-dimensional structural strength by using origami techniques. The washi used for Origami Shikki is made using a traditional Echizen technique known as HIKAKE, which allows the paper to change texture depending on the angle of the light.

Design Challenge

In Japan, lacquer plays a role as a coating and adhesive, and is used in a variety of situations due to its robustness, durability, and ease of decoration. However, because the coating cracks when force is applied after curing, it has been considered almost impossible to change the shape of a finished lacquer object. Origami Shikki overcame this difficulty through a unique method and process, and succeeded in folding the lacquer-coated Japanese paper like origami without cracking the coating.

Project Duration

This project first began in September 2020, and was completed in October 2022, and is being exhibited at the gallery called TAKEO Aoyama Mihoncho in Tokyo in 2022.

Operation Flow

Origami Shikki has a lacquer finish that makes it durable against water and oil, and can be used as a plate for all kinds of dishes, from Japanese to Western cuisine. After use, it can be washed with water and detergent and dried for repeated use. What sets Origami Shikki apart from other plates is that it is made of washi, which makes it lightweight, and because it uses the origami technique, it can be folded into small pieces. Small and light, Origami Shikki can be carried anywhere.

Research

Sales of products using washi are declining year by year, and the traditional washi production system is becoming difficult to maintain. If washi processing factories are lost, the traditional techniques of the region will be lost as well. Origami Shikki is made from washi paper that was to be discarded because it was out of specification. They have considered how to make washi sustainable without being restricted to preserving traditional techniques.

Inspiration

Inspired by three traditional elements that are familiar to Japanese people: origami, a traditional technique of folding a sheet of paper into a single shape; lacquer, a traditional craft unique to Japan that has continued for centuries; and washi, a traditional material with production sites all over Japan, they considered how these traditions should evolve into a sustainable form to integrate into modern life where everything is convenient and accessible.

Project Overview

Origami Shikki Lacquerware Paper Plate has been a Silver winner in the Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design award category in the year 2022 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Atsushi Morita.

Silver Recognition

Atsushi Morita was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2023, a testament to excellence of their work Origami Shikki Lacquerware Paper Plate.

Atsushi Morita Press Releases

Attention press members and journalists: We offer a collection of press releases on Atsushi Morita and their notable work, available for your unrestricted use. Immediate access is granted to 3 press releases for all journalists.

Origami Shikki: Redefining Japanese Tradition with Lacquerware Paper Plate

Atsushi Morita Unveils Origami Shikki, a Fusion of Origami, Lacquer, and Washi

Atsushi Morita Newsroom

Dive into Atsushi Morita Newsroom to explore celebrated designs and projects.