Bank 153 by Alvar Aalto in the ColoRing Edition
The bench 153 by Alvar Aalto for Artek is available in a newly interpreted look in the ColoRing Edition by Jo Nagasaka. The Japanese designer, who lives in Tokyo, is known for his novel and contemporary expression and is therefore an ideal partner for Artek's FIN/JPN Friendship collection. Nagasaka set about applying his research on surface treatments to Artek's popular classics. He experimented with the ancient practices of Udukuri and Tsugaru-nuri and merged them into his own original process leading to what he calls ColoRing.
Soft grained pine wood and Japanese craft tradition
For ColoRing, soft-grained pine wood is used as surface veneer. Nagasaka creates an uneven wood surface by removing softer parts with a hard-haired brush and emphasizing the natural grain of the wood (Udukuri). Then two layers of coloured varnish are applied, which are then sanded down to partially expose the underlying layers (Tsugaru-nuri).
Surprising colour combinations and irregular patterns
The result is surprising colour combinations and irregular patterns reminiscent of topographic maps. While the wood structure remains partially visible, the natural beauty is preserved and fascinating contrasts are created. In order to produce the ColoRing series, the traditional Japanese techniques were transformed into a semi-industrial process so that the series could be made accessible to a wider audience.
Manufactured in Finland, the stool 60, the bench 153B and the tea trolley 901, treated with the ColoRing technique, are part of Artek's FIN/JPN Friendship collection.