Thoughts on the Packaging Design for the Kikusumi Knife Sharpener Box
Working on a Box Prototype for the Kikusumi diamond electric knife sharpener called KS-2 that will be introduced to the market in 2017. Kikusumi is the kitchen tool brand of Tokyo design firm Applewasabi which began as an exploration into the relationship between people and food. They are just about to launch the first product – a set of 3 ceramic knives and a bread knife- in the USA. The design takes its inspiration from the ancient craft of charcoal making called kikusumi which translates to chrysanthemum charcoal. The charcoal is made from kunugi tree branches which are cut and then fired slowly over 12 days in an oven made from mounded soil. It is a painstaking process that results in a unique cross section patter that resembles the kiku or chrysanthemum flower. Kikusumi was chosen to represent the precise hand craftsmanship of the brands products. It also symbolizes the inspirational relationship the designs have with nature.
Black color is representative of the firing process involved in making Kikusumi knives as well as other metal products like peelers and graters. In terms of designs it provides the backdrop that allows the simple details to shine. Red is used for the logo and is symbolic of creativity and passion. It’s presence on each Kikusumi product is a reminder to the cook to tap into their creativity and express themselves with their tools. Kikusumi aims to be more than a functional object – it aims to inspire through design.
