The Mechanical Bonsai Paintings of Mai Inoue
At the age of 24, Mai Inoue creates paintings that look like they could have been painted by her great grandparents. Her subject matter are bonsai: the Japanese art form of pruning and cultivating sm…
The archive
Articles from www.spoon-tamago.com — page 13
Browse articles from www.spoon-tamago.com in the Akihabara archive.
Danchi: A Photographic Journey Into Japan’s Public Housing Projects
“I’m standing alone before a complex of danchi. Row upon row of identical numbered buildings extend into the distance. Fluorescent lights flicker to life illuminating the stark concrete.” That’s Toky…
Kigumi: The Japanese Museum of Interlocking Wooden Joints
In a nondescript building in Tokyo there is a little-known museum that celebrates on of Japan’s most distinctive crafts: kigumi, or interlocking wooden joints.
Graphic Artworks by Haruka Aramaki Distort our Perception of Space
We were in Tokyo recently and one of the most enjoyable exhibitions was this show of blue and red graphic artworks by designer Haruka Aramaki. Composed of predominantly blue and red – “I feel a neutr…
Shokkiri: The Comedy Routine that Portrays Illegal Sumo Moves
Sumo wrestling is a Japanese sport that, in its current form, dates back to the 16th century. Steeped in history and tradition, the sport is highly ritualistic and parts are often associated with Shi…
Japanese Plumber Creates Handmade Waterfall of Ice in His Backyard
For the past 7 years, Toru Matsui, a plumber who lives in the mountainous Inabucho town of Aichi prefecture, has taken on an ambitious annual art project. Each winter, as temperatures fall and touris…
8-Bit Mini Puppy by Shinji Murakami
Inspired by the ancient yet versatile 8-bit technology, NY-based Japanese artist Shinji Murakami has been creating works that harken back to the original Dragon Quest, Zelda and other video…
Japanese Vending Machines at Night Juxtaposed with a Wintry Hokkaido Landscape
“In Hokkaido where I live, winters are harsh and snows are deep,” says photographer Eiji Ohashi. “Every day can become rather inconvenient” due to the constant snowfall. But heavy snows also bring wi…
The Yayoi Kusama Museum to Open in Shinjuku in October
Yayoi Kusama, one of Japan’s most prolific and successful artists, is opening her own museum in Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward. The 5-story structure will open to the public on October 1st, 2017.
Joint Chopsticks Inspired by Japanese Joinery Techniques
Product designer Yuma Kano and Japanese carpenter Katsuhisa Toda collaborated to create a series of chopsticks inspired by traditional wood joinery techniques.