Our aim through Fountain ring
Wear it, create it and enjoy it.
Fountain Ring is a sliver ring that functions as a portable fountain. It is available in two models: Butterfly and Spider. When running water hits the Butterfly ring, an elegant water membrane and two antennae appear on the back of the hand. When water is poured into the Spider ring, a spider’s body, antennae and eight long streams of water fly in all directions. The Fountain Ring can be used anywhere and at any time. While a user washes his or her hands, draws a bath or plays in the pool, he or she can enjoy his or her own fountain.
Inspiration
In the kitchen, we can see that tap water creates a thin and transparent membrane when it strikes the surface of the spoon. The shape of the water membrane resembles a heart, because the spoon handle divides the water flow. Then, there is dry area beneath the water membrane where my hand will not become wet. We observed this phenomenon and designed the water membrane in new shapes, such as a butterfly or a spider. Fountain ring reminds us of the beauty, wonder and importance of water.
Operation
The purpose of a fountain ring is to enjoy playing with water. When running water strikes the Butterfly ring at a rate of 0.3 liters per 10 seconds, the column of water turns into a butterfly-shaped membrane with a diameter of about 11 cm. A Spider ring that is struck with the same quantity of water creates a fountain that is 25 cm. in diameter. However, once we know the function of these rings, even if we are not using water, the shapes of the ring will remind us of the butterfly or a spider. Fountain rings represent water and fountains in a modern, charming and sustainable way as modern accessories.
Japanese aethtetics
Historically, the Japanese had no particular fountains in their gardens. Japanese gardens express nature in miniature, idealized landscapes that are based on Zen aesthetics. To decorate the gardens, we use small amount of water for Shishiodoshi, a kinetic, sound-making fountain that operates with bamboo, or a Suikinkutsu, water harp that is buried in the soil. In these systems, water always descends from a place of higher elevation to one of lower location. We have refined the fountain from a Japanese point of view using modern technologies.
FAQ
Q. Are these rings safe for children?
A. No. These rings are not to be regarded as toys but as pieces of jewelry. Thus, it’s important that the user practices caution when using them around children.
Q. What about water consumption?
A. The purpose of these rings is not to consume water, but to celebrate it and underline its importance. When washing your hands, drawing a bath or playing in the pool, these rings will remind you of the essentiality of water, making its user rediscover its fundamental qualities.
Moreover, even when you are not playing with water, the ring’s shape will remind you of the water membrane’s shape. This idea came from Zen’s philosophy. In Kyoto, Japan, there are many dry gardens in Karesansui, style such as the one in Ryoan-ji temple. There, the rocks and pebbles are used to represent water instead of an actual river. It is very unique and manages to evoke the image of water even without its actual presence. The same can be said for Fountain Ring, that represents water and fountains in a modern, charming and sustainable way, similarly to a dry garden.
Q. When was your turning point as a fountain artist?
A. After the great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. In Japan, many public fountains ceased to operate. In order to preserve energy and water, some of them have still not resumed operation to this day. I started thinking that despite the fact that art and design can’t permanently solve this type problems, they can still be used to understand and express the importance of water. Water circulates throughout the plant and enriches out lives. The human body consist largely of water and all creatures need to survive. So, I decided to celebrate the importance of water by developing a small but beautiful fountain.
Q. Can I make a fountain in a bathroom or in a kitchen in my house?
A. It depends on the water flow. To make a beautiful fountain, a clear and straight laminar tap water flow is the best. If the water contains bubbles and has a not-transparent, turbulent flow, water will hit Fountain Ring hard and become a spray. Find the best tap water in your house or office. That is the place that water-butterflies and water-spiders can inhabit.
Q. Can I make a fountain when I pour water from a glass?
A. No. The falling water that comes from a glass is a bit twisted and not suitable for making a fountain equally on all sides. Tap water from facets, hoses and watering cans, such as water that comes from, pipe is good for making fountains. By bringing the watering can to a pool, you can enjoy a fountain without worrying about consumption of water.