5th Semester

(Nakashima workshop)

 

Brief: To design a furniture piece inspired by Nakashima’s work using traditional Japanese woodworking techniques without the use of adhesives or nails.

 

The Phan is a fusion of Nakashima’s authentic Japanese techniques and traditional Indian culture, both of which manifest simplicity in every sense of the word. While the modern Indian society is turning to western versions of the same idea without acknowledging its origin, the Phan is a reminder of the spiritual and health benefits of eating and bathing while sitting cross-legged on wooden stools. The correct way of sitting on it is cross-legged for men, and with one leg crossed over the other for women. This allows comfort, keeping in mind their traditional clothing. ​

 

The form of my stool is taken from the “Phan”, a stool structure used in bathrooms and for eating in the state of Manipur, India. It is made using Japanese woodworking technique out of Burma teak with wax finish. Half lap joints have been used with dowels.