Nato handbags

About the Artwork

Using nato wood, also known as eastern mahogany.
I used high quality nato wood called "golden nato" in the wood industry.
I made a comical looking bag that looks like something you would see in a Japanese cartoon.
I used bending techniques to make this bag, which is uncommon when using nato wood as it is slightly harder than beech wood that is said to be suitable for bending.
The form turned out like this as a result of trying to create a bag to make the most of the color of nato wood.
Although the form is comical, it can be used in ceremonial and formal occasions.
It can also be placed on a shelf, and you can leave the bag open to decorate seasonal objects such as Hina dolls and Japanese zodiac items.
As I used traditional wood joinery techniques, no metal parts have been used except for the hinges and latch. The wood color is its natural color with no colors added.

Description

• Category
  Wood and Bamboo
• Materials
  Nato
• Dimensions
  H 28.4 x W 29 x D 8.5 cm
• Year presented
  2019
• Instructions
  As a transparent coating is applied, this bag is waterproof.
  However, please avoid sudden heat (placing under the heater, near a hot kettle or iron kettle etc.) or use of sharp blades, hammers etc. as this may cause damage to the wooden body. Please also avoid nail polish and other chemicals as this may cause the coating to peel off.
  Please be aware that wood expands and shrinks depending on where it is used as it absorbs and releases moisture even after being processed. For example, even by moving the bag among nearby regions in western Japan, a distortion may occur as the humidity is different.
  The distortion is very small, but this may cause a slight defect.
  Please be aware of this as it is the nature of wood.
  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Techniques Used