Hashikura Matsukan Chopsticks by Nendo | Obama (Jap)

At IDMC° we enjoy the creative redesign of everyday objects and Hashikura Matsukan's chopstick set by Oki Sato of Nendo is no exception.

The town of Obama in Japan's Fukui Prefecture has traditionally manufactured lacquered chopsticks for four centuries and is globally recognised as producing the most beautiful and durable Japanese lacquer chopsticks since the 17th century. Using Obama’s traditional manufacturing techniques, Sato designed a collection of chopsticks that include the Rassen and Kamiai styles.

The Rassen is a chopstick design that combines the ordinary chopstick into a single unit. Separated into two for eating, the halves are re-joined into one when not in use. The Kamiai, on the other hand, is an embedded magnet in a square shaped chopstick positioned on the outside of each chopstick to ensure that the pieces don't come together accidently whilst eating.

Photography by Akihiro Yoshida.