Five carefully selected designs -Kumiko craft smartphone stands-
Five carefully selected designs that are intricate, beautiful, and particularly difficult to make
These Kumiko smartphone stands were made by artisans from Okawa Kumiko, a Japanese Kumiko brand that specializes in intricate Kumiko patterns.
Not only can you place your smartphone on them, but they can also be used as objects to admire the beautiful Kumiko work.
What's more, the Kumiko and stand can be removed and used as Kumiko coasters.
Recommended for people who
- People looking for Japanese souvenirs for people living overseas
- People looking for authentic items made by professional Kumiko artisans
- People looking for Kumiko work that they can keep close at hand
What is Kumiko?
A particularly popular technique among Japan's many traditional craft
Kumiko is one of the techniques included in "Traditional Japanese Architecture," which is registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.And it is a technique used in traditional Japanese architecture to make fittings such as doors, shoji screens, sliding doors, and windows.
It is a technique in which pieces of wood are cut into precise pieces about 1 to 3 mm thick and assembled into geometric patterns without the use of nails. Its origins are said to date back to the Asuka period.
Kumiko is revered as the ultimate luxury item due to the beauty of its shape and the perfection of manual work. Kumiko is often used for fittings and interiors in high-end inns and restaurants, enriching the hearts of those who see it. Kumiko is also used not only in buildings, but also in everyday items and small items, and is popular as an item that gives you a sense of Japanese traditional culture at hand.
It is said that there are about 200 different types of Kumiko patterns, and by combining them, you can express an original worldview. Art panels that are simply for appreciating Kumiko are also popular.
Kumiko work flow
Here, we will introduce the process of making kumiko doors and windows. This is the case of a joiner who cooperated in the production of this smartphone stand.
(1) Creating a production drawing
A production drawing is created according to the contents of the order
(2) Selecting materials
Wood (cedar, cypress, magnolia) that has been naturally dried for more than five years is selected and sawn.
The wood is cut to a thickness of about 0.8 to 2.0 mm and used as material for kumiko work.
Normally, a piece of wood is at most 1mm thin, but this craftsman may make it 0.8mm in size to create an intricate pattern.
(3) Making the kumiko pattern
By introducing high-precision machines to some of the processes that were previously all done by hand, we have achieved more precise processing and an efficient production flow.
While actively incorporating new methods, we still perform traditional hand processing without compromise in areas where the craftsman's sense is essential.
(4) Fitting into Mitsukude
Various parts are fitted into the basic equilateral triangular frame (Mitsukude) to create the pattern.
By fitting parts that are slightly larger than the final design under pressure with a hammer, it is possible to achieve a strong joint without using any nails.
In addition, a method called "wood killing" is used to hit the wood with a hammer to compress it and prevent gaps from forming.
The carefully calculated dimensions of the parts and the precise angles of the tips are indicative of the craftsman's sense that can only be obtained through years of experience.
(5) Finishing
To show off the beautiful wood grain, the surface is lightly polished using a Japanese hand plane or paper.
The surface may also be clear-coated as a protective material. The kumiko of this smartphone stand is clear-coated. This makes the color of the wood more vivid and prevents discoloration.
(6) Assembling the frame
For doors and windows, frames are attached to all four sides of the finished kumiko. For this smartphone stand, a hexagonal frame is used.
Experience the beauty of Kumiko crafts up close
The hexagonal shape of the kumiko represents a tortoise shell, making it an auspicious product that symbolizes longevity.
We have 5 types available. Please purchase your favorite pattern.
Product 1: Shippo
"Shippou" is the seven treasures written in Buddhist scriptures, and is an auspicious pattern. To make Shippo, bent wood needs to be inserted into Mitsukude, making it a delicate piece of kumiko.
Product 2: Yaegiku (Double Chrysanthemum)
Along with the cherry blossom (sakura), the chrysanthemum (kiku)is the national flower of Japan, and the chrysanthemum flower is used as the emblem of the imperial family. In addition, chrysanthemum flowers are designed on passports. The double chrysanthemum is a type of chrysanthemum with many petals and is gorgeous. This kumiko uses high technology to bend a single piece of wood into a precise shape to express the roundness of the petals.
Product 3: Yaezakura (Double Cherry Blossom)
Cherry blossoms are a representative flower that Japan is proud of, and among them, the double cherry blossom has many petals and is gorgeous. Kumiko's double cherry blossoms are also popular due to their gorgeousness.
Product 4: Yae-asanoha (Double Asanoha)
Along with double chrysanthemums and double cherry blossoms, this pattern has the word "double" in its name. "Double" means that many overlap. These are popular patterns, but they require skilled techniques to make, so they are rarely seen except in works of art. Asanoha means children's health and protection from evil, and the overlapping patterns represent the strength of wishes.
Product 5: Kawari-asanoha (Varied Asanoha)
There are several patterns derived from the traditional hemp leaf pattern, and "varied asanoha" is one of them. It is based on triangles and has a modern Japanese atmosphere. Like double hemp leaves, it is sometimes used to pray for children's health and protection from evil.Perfect as a Japanese souvenir
There are many types of products that convey Japan's traditional techniques, but many of them are expensive due to their high value. Some are priced so high that you would hesitate to buy them as souvenirs. As a result, laser-made alternatives to Kumiko crafts have appeared and are now available at cheaper prices. However, even when looking at a photo, the difference between laser-made and real kumiko is clear. This kumiko smartphone stand is a product that meets the need to provide affordable Japanese souvenirs to people who care about authenticity. Since it is designed so that the kumiko work and the stand can be disassembled, it can be packed compactly and will not be a burden to carry as carry-on luggage. It is sure to be a welcome souvenir for those studying abroad and the local people who look after them. It is also a perfect memento of Japan for foreigners visiting Japan.