No. 23 Japanese Inspired Jewelry Box -Reader Idea Week

     Today's idea comes from Scott Meek. It was one of a few ideas that he submitted and was short and to the point: Japanese Inspired Jewelry Box. Knowing very little about Japanese culture, architecture and craft I set out to do as much research as I could in the spare time I had in one day. Obviously I was only able to scratch the very outer layer of this deep and rich culture in such a short time, which was a real confidence builder for this exercise (sarcasm, in case you missed it). I have been meaning to do more research into Asian and specifically Japanese craft for some time so thank you Scott for getting me started.
     Due to my lack of confidence in this area I tried my hand at two different designs, though I fear they are both so generic that they may qualify somewhere in the category of bad tourist gifts. The first box is very heavily based on a traditional Japanese gate called a torii. When I say "very heavily based on" I mean I basically copied it and turned it into a box. This was not meant as an easy way out, but rather as a sign of admiration to a form that I find very beautiful. The second box is taken from many of the common themes and forms found in Japanese architecture.

To Scott: I hope I have adequately represented your idea.

To those who know and love Japanese tradition: I hope I have not offended you.

    

     This idea has forced on me the whole basis of this 365 Project: explore beyond what you are familiar and comfortable with. I only wish I had had more time to learn before attempting this particular idea. As I learn more about this subject I may revisit this exercise and see how that knowledge influences the design.

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