Ahh, the problem for the poor westerner when presented with Asian food. To use chopsticks, or to lose face and use the fork? It has been estimated that about 1.5 billion people worldwide use chopsticks every day. If you have been brought up to use chopsticks, it seems entirely natural. We in the west unfortunately often have trouble coordinating hands, mouth and food together to a successful conclusion. I actually pride myself on my chopstick dexterity, but for some people it can be a problem, so anything that can make the authentic method easier is always welcomed.
Inspired by the shape of a toucan’s beak, Finnish designer Lincoln Kayiwa has produced TUKANNI. TUKAANI is Finnish for the toucan bird species. The sterling silver TUKAANI is a hand made eating device for Asian food consumers in the West. It may be held as traditional chopsticks. But unlike the disposable wooden chopsticks, TUKAANI is both machine and hand washable and much easier to set on – and use at table. The matt surface and taut movement allow steady grip in the hand. The curl at the end of the TUKAANI provides eased food picking and delivery to the mouth. The loop also allows easier hanging, storage and display.
Kayiwa is a designer who graduated as a Master of Arts from the University of Art and Design Helsinki UIAH in 2007. Upon graduating, he started his own brand product design company KAYIWA – an epitome of novelty, aesthetics, functionality and environmental friendliness. For examples of his design, please refer to his website at http://www.kayiwa.fi
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