Koya: a research on natural fibers and weaves
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Detail of Koya | ph. Luca A. Caizzi
For the third consecutive year, Incalmi is collaborating with a design studio to create a collection capable of synthesizing the culture and know-how of its network of artisans. 2024 is the year of Federica Biasi and natural fiber weaves.
Koya, conceived by
Federica Biasi with Incalmi, is the synthesis of extensive research on natural fibers and weaves that the designer and the company have been carrying out in parallel for several years. Born from the experimentation on
rattan and its multiple processing, the Koya coffee table is characterized by the union of different weaves, from oriental to local ones inherited from the ancient Venetian school of panierai di Barbisano.
Stages of rattan processing | ph. Luca A. Caizzi
Among several designs submitted by the designer, Incalmi selected the most complex, with the idea of challenging the material, rattan, a species of climbing palm tree widespread in Southeast Asia. The weaves characterize the entire surface of the object and remain visible even under the cathedral glass top, a type of glass with ancient origins and textural appearance. The result is a multi-material object made of rattan and glass, a coffee table but also a sculpture, which preserves roundness and lightness by combining contemporary taste with stylistic features of the tradition of different cultures. In fact, the name is inspired by Mount Koya, Japan, where craftsmen work precious rattan objects.
Koya by Federica Biasi | ph. Luca A. Caizzi
Formal research was then complemented by a thorough investigation of fiber coloration, through natural pigmentations and painting techniques capable of enhancing the material's characteristics. After several stages of testing with different types of earths, oxides and resins, the choice fell on Dragon's Blood, a resin made from the rattan itself that oxidizes and takes on a reddish hue-exactly the color the designer wished to achieve.
Koya by Federica Biasi | ph. Luca A. Caizzi
Koya was premiered at EDIT Naples 2024, in a display that aimed not only to convey to the viewer the beauty of the object, but also to tell the story of the path that led to its creation, from the analysis of the botanical characteristics of the plant to the study and prototyping phase.