Woven Leather Akob Lamp by Tjiang Supertini

In this digital era, we find ourselves favoring the convenience of technology over manual processes. However, Tjiang Supertini demonstrates that the difference between past and present need not be a choice, but a productive synergy. Akob Lamp, which combines the 21st –century technique of lasercutting with a traditional Indonesian weaving method in its fabrication process, features leather strips woven together in a slot-joint system around a mold. Afterward, each piece is boiled – yes, boiled in water – and left to dry so that the leather shrinks to form stronger weaves. The shape of the lamp is fun yet simple, and the weaves create a perforated shade around the lamp’s light source to provide the perfect amount of light. Akob is part of the “VS” project, a joint effort between furniture manufacturer Air Division and Singapore’s Nangyang Academy of the Arts.