Hineri: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Technology

Yukari Sato's Award-Winning Design Marries Japanese Craftsmanship with Modern Innovation

Yukari Sato, a washi maker, embarked on the journey of hand-making paper as a response to the increasing mechanization in the manufacturing industry. She aimed to combine the benefits of traditional techniques with the latest technologies, thereby preserving classic artistry and materials for future generations through creations that fit into modern lives.

Hineri stands out for its unique properties. Paper threads are attached to a delicate wooden frame, made by a local craftsman skilled in creating items for shrines and temples. The joint parts are made of titanium, outputted by a 3D printer. Washi, a type of Japanese paper, is thinly applied in layers to create a translucent effect. The fiber spreads randomly on the hyperbolic paraboloid strings, symbolizing the ambiguity of humans and our coexistence with technology.

The production of Hineri begins with the construction of the wooden frame. A smooth surface is created with thin lines of threads, and the paper-making process is repeated multiple times. The paper is dipped into a water tank containing special bark fiber of mulberry, developed with a research institution to enhance its dehumidifying and deodorizing functions. Clear groundwater, known as Kannon sui, is used in the washi making process. This water was selected as one of the hundred exquisite waters of Japan.

The design of Hineri was inspired by the Japanese term that expresses a spirally bent shape. Metaphorically, it also signifies wit, humor, creativity, and ingenuity. The artwork changes its appearance based on its placement on the triangular LED light guide plate stage, symbolizing the multidimensional and ambiguous nature of the world and encouraging three-dimensional perception.

The project, which started in June 2016 in Ehime and was completed in March 2017, faced several challenges. Incorporating 3D technology and digital fabrication into the handicraft production process was a significant hurdle. The team had to consider the relationship between manual work and the incorporation of the latest technology, evaluating how the use of the latest technology can promote the improvement of human creativity.

In conclusion, Yukari Sato's Hineri is a remarkable design that successfully marries traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern technology. It is a testament to the potential of combining the old and the new, and a shining example of how technology can enhance, rather than replace, traditional craftsmanship.