Planetary Parasol Tells Time & Direction

Kota Nezu of znug design, inc. has designed a combination parasol, compass and clock that works on the same principle as a sundial.




Hang tag design:


concept / details as per the designer:
"The parasol is there to block the sun, but it invites you to look for the sun." In daily life you don't pay attention to the sun traveling through the sky, but we wanted to create the moment when you can look up and think upon the dynamic universe. You can play impromptu astronomy with it. Furthermore, you'll be guarded from the blazing sun or an abrupt shower.

Direct yourself so that 'N' of the compass points at yourself, 'S' points at '12' of the parasol. Then the sun seen through the parasol can tell you the approximate season and time by its position.



The impressive design uniquely uses numbers and curves representing the sun's career. The red color handle and the compass are appealing. Even men who are unfamiliar with a parasol can enjoy this special one.

details:
Water-repellent & UV processed (97% of UV rays are cut, analyzed by KAKEN Inc.)
Outer rib: 55cm in length; glass fiber
Fabric panel: polyester 65%, cotton 35%
Utility model right: acquired (Japan)
Designed in Japan - Manufactured in China

How to use :

- Hold the parasol horizontally to make the fabric panel end come to your eye level, and look up from the position close to the shaft.
- Adjust your position so that N of the compass points at you and S points at 12 of the parasol.
- The vertical lines and numbers indicate hours; horizontal lines are the summer solstice, the spring/autumnal equinox and winter solstice from the top to bottom.
- If you see the sun at the point in the figure, it means it is approximate 3:00 pm on the summer solstice.

available for purchase here.

About designer Kota Nezu:

He was born in Tokyo in 1969. He graduated from Chiba University majored in Industrial Design. After working for the Toyota Motor Corporation, he launched the znug design, inc. in 2005. His work includes the conceptual design and project managing for "i-unit" exhibited at EXPO 2005 AICHI, JAPAN.

Currently he produces and designs various industrial products and automobiles. He has been showing his design at Milan Salone, 100% Design, etc. Also he has received the iF Design Award (Germany) and the Good Design Award (Japan) etc.

Indoor and Outdoor Alabaster Furnishings That Glow From Within.

Back in 2007, I introduced you to Albatros Design, a French company that created illuminated marble furniture and fireplace consoles. The luxurious pieces were available in multiple marble finishes and applications. Since then, the company has been renamed and now continues to design and customize illuminated pieces of furniture and installations, only made from alabaster.*




Atelier Alain Ellouz now offers more luxurious illuminated items for private homes, restaurants, retail stores and hotels. The pieces combine a traditional material with a modern effect. Coffee tables, dining tables, bases, console tables, bathroom sinks, pedestals, vessels and basins are wonderful additions to any interior.









For the bath:








Seating and end tables make excellent poolside and outdoor accents:





Alabaster illuminated walls, sliding doors and panels, hotel interiors, restaurant tables, bars, reception desks, fireplaces, retail counters and more are available for commercial applications:














*alabaster is a translucent, white or tinted fine-grained gypsum. A variety of hard calcite, translucent and sometimes banded.

To learn more, visit Atelier Alain Ellouz

Star Wars Carved Crayons; Darth, Chewbacca, C3PO and StormTrooper

above: photo by Mark Merlot.

Although these carved crayons were not made by Diem Chau, whose many crayola sculptures I've shared with you in the past, the Star Wars Crayolas were made by Steve Thompson and have been featured on many a geek and sci-fi blog. If you haven't seen them, here's a good look:






But where's the green Yoda??