Our work speaks for itself
DESIGNED TO MAKE AN IMPACT
THE URUSHI BICYCLE PROJECT
Contemporary Design Meets Ancient Craft
Showstopping Urushi bike -
part of limited edition cycles display -
named for its labor intensive Japanese lacquer finish,
“Conceived in a collaboration with Sotheby’s, the Vanhulsteijn Urushi bears the brand’s characteristic cantilevered seat but takes the bike’s already chic frame to whole new levels of artistic achievement by incorporating a gold - laced lacquer finish, ray-skin upholstery and custom - designed fittings.
Together, they opted to implement the Tsugaru Nuri style, which incorporates several layers of gold leaf and imbues each of the 9 limited - edition-bicycles with a one-of-a-kind pattern and a rich sense of depth.
While the Urushi technique is time consuming and labor intensive (taking up to five months to finish a single bike) the ancient and sustainable practice is making a comeback within the Asian contemporary art community and it appears the fondness for the finish may now be trickling west.
For a behind the scenes look into the fascinating process, be sure to have a peek at the video above. A gorgeous bike but after learning all that goes into it would anyone dare ride it?!”
Dpages, 2015
Client
VANHULSTEIJN x SOTHEBY’s
Year
2014-2015
ALDO BAKKER
Studio Editions is an initiative by Aldo Bakker Studio -
a diverse range of precisely calibrated sculptural forms - each the result of long consideration and research into materials and optimization of form - a collaboration with Dutch leading designer, Aldo Bakker.
I follow my feelings, and this is the outcome” -Bakker.
Widely published and exhibited in Europe today, Aldo continues selected collaborations with renown manufacturers while further completing his personal collection with master craftsmen and galleries around the world.
“Powerful, elegant and filled with personality, Aldo’s furniture brings a new perspective, not seen before in the design space” - Loic Le Gaillard ( Carpenters Workshop Gallery) in a project statement.
“This is an ancient craft; a very rich tradition” Bakker to Dezeen on his Urushi pieces.
The Slow Motion pieces feature a host of unusual shapes and rounded surfaces that could be likened to the softness of moulded clay. Bakker, who spent nearly a year creating each piece, describes the process as organic.
“There’s never a plan. The works come gradually”.
Photo Credit: Carpenters Workshop Gallery
Year
2006- current
Client
ALDO BAKKER