Naoki Kawamoto's ORISHIKI Handbag: A Fusion of Art and Functionality

Origami-Inspired Clutch Bag Wins Platinum A' Design Award

The ORISHIKI handbag is a remarkable piece of design that stands out for its unique properties. Its structure, composed of triangular segments, allows it to fold like origami and wrap objects like Furoshiki. The handbag's opening and closing movements offer an innovative way to use, making it completely different from any other case. The bag, when closed, resembles a crystal reflecting all surrounding lights gracefully, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

The inspiration for the ORISHIKI handbag came from two traditional Japanese arts: Origami, the art of paper folding, and Furoshiki, a traditional wrapping cloth used for transporting goods and gifts. Kawamoto's design is a perfect blend of these two arts, resulting in a new carrying device that is both functional and visually stunning.

The handbag's realization involved the use of additive manufacturing process and hand assembling. The inward frame was made using Polyamide through Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), while the hinge was made from Polypropylene unwoven fabric. The surface was created using Acrylic resin. The production process is highly specialized, maintaining the product's unique identity regardless of the production scale.

The ORISHIKI handbag project started in 2009 at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London. It was exhibited at 100%design London 2009 and DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2011. The design process involved extensive research and numerous prototypes to achieve the final product. Despite the challenges, particularly budget constraints, Kawamoto's perseverance and creativity led to the realization of a product with a strong "WOW" factor.

The ORISHIKI handbag was awarded the Platinum A' Design Award in 2012, recognizing its world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative design. This award is given to designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, contribute to societal wellbeing, and advance the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Kawamoto's ORISHIKI handbag truly embodies these qualities, making it a defining aesthetic of its era.