NR Samurai Neckpiece
Almost every object in traditional Japanese society was made with reverence for the beauty of functional design as well as artistic form, color and materials. In a way it is much like the Amish reverence for everyday objects. My fascination with things Japanese has led me to study the beauty of Japanese armor in both construction and design.
In this workshop we will construct a necklace inspired by the neckpiece worn by warriors called the nodawa. We will learn several construction techniques reminiscent of the actual pieces. Surface techniques will be taught that mimic the beautiful lacquer and onlay used in the armor as well as molded and raised surfaces using the antique Japanese molds called kashigata. Students will be encouraged to innovate with these techniques and materials using many inspirational images of armor as well as actual fragments of armor and the antique molds. Sanding and finishing will also be covered.
