Ancient designs get a modern makeover
Samurai and pagodas for the 21st century? You bet. Today’s designers are putting cheeky twists on iconic Asian images. We're charmed and amused with a few in particular. Here they are:
Historical Korean art inspires fashion show
Last August, the National Museum of Korea held a fashion show where all of the raiment was inspired by traditional handicrafts. My favorite: an elegant porcelain vase with a diagonal paint stroke, transformed into a bubble dress by Choi Ji-hyung.
Ancient motifs in Taipei’s tallest tower
The architects of Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building, fused ancient traditions with postmodern design. The vertical segments evoke pagodas, Chinese money boxes and a stalk of bamboo. Historical coins and ruyi, cloud-like decorative objects, adorn the sleek metal structure.
Samurai underpants
In 2008, a Japanese company unveiled men’s underwear that gives the euphemism “sheath your katana” new meaning. Sido’s lightweight briefs resemble the armor of famous samurai such as Tokugawa Ieyasu. The style was a surprise hit and sells for around ¥9,000 on the company’s website.
Honda’s robotic rickshaw
This year, designer Enoch Morishima gave the rickshaw a high-tech makeover. The sleek pod is made with modern car parts. It can be hooked onto another transport medium, or pulled by a robot that responds to passengers.
Cute Chinese zodiac MP3 players
EverGreen recently released 12 MP3 players that depict the animals from the Chinese zodiac, but with plump bodies and faces that rival Hello Kitty’s. The doe-eyed devices hold up to 2GB of music and retail for ¥4,900 on GeekStuff4U.
Alessi Orientale series modeled after Taiwanese artifacts
Stefano Giovannoni’s fascination with the artifacts in Taiwan’s National Palace Museum led to his 2008 Alessi Orientales collaboration. Only he would modify the graceful form of an 18th century milk jug into a whimsical “Paradise Bird.”
Elephant god graffiti
Ganesha is the much-loved elephant god whose image smiles over many Indian homes. U.K. artist Brave1 reinterpreted him as Graffiti Ganesh in a slick wall mural.
Giant Chinese emperor lantern
For centuries, the Chinese have been celebrating the 15th day of the first lunar month by displaying lanterns. The simple globes of the past have evolved into life-sized Ming emperors, brimming with color and detail.
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