Tsaku Clothing and Pomoco collaborated to come up with ‘SHIZEN’, a unique collection that merges Indian and Japanese cultures through art and symbolism. Designs celebrate Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void/Sky, honoring nature's interconnectedness. Sanskrit letters blend seamlessly with Japanese symbols, reflecting unity in diversity. "SHIZEN" inspires connection with nature and an appreciation for cultural harmony.
In Japanese philosophy, Godai refers to the five elements or principles that are believed to constitute all things in the world. These elements are Earth (Chi or Tsuchi), Water (Sui), Fire (Ka), Wind (Fu or Kaze), and Void or Sky (Ku). The Gorinto is a five-tiered Buddhist pagoda-like structure commonly found in Japan. It is composed of five stacked geometric forms, each representing one of the five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and space. The tiers of the gorintou, a five-tiered tower, are visual representations of the Godai concept, with each tier representing one of the elements.
In Indian philosophy, specifically in Hinduism and Ayurveda, Pancha Mahabhuta refers to the five great elements that form the basis of the material world. These elements are Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Ether or Space (Akasha). The Pancha Mahabhuta concept is used to understand the composition and interactions of the physical world and the human body.
While the specific elements and their interpretations may differ between Godai and Pancha Mahabhuta, both concepts share a fundamental understanding of the world’s composition through elemental principles. Both concepts also emphasize the interconnectedness and interdependence of these elements. They highlight how the balance and harmonious interaction of these elements are essential for the wellbeing and functioning of individuals and the environment.
Though originating from different cultures, Godai and Pancha Mahabhuta offer philosophical frameworks for contemplating the elemental nature of reality and our place within it.
Pomoco is a seven-year-old storytelling-driven design agency based in Ahmedabad. It is at the precipice of the Indian context, working on ideas, projects, and experiences with a duality of the vernacular and the contemporary.
CREDITS:
PROJECT NAME: SHIZEN (Pomoco x Tsaku Clothing), Year 2023-24PROJECT TYPE: Merch Design, Creative Direction
AGENCY: Pomoco
COLLABORATOR: Devvrat Agarwal (Tsaku Clothing)
CREATIVE DIRECTION: Dharun Vyas, Meghana Walimbe
RESEARCH & COPYWRITING: Aarti Sonpal
CREATIVE DIRECTION: Dharun Vyas, Meghana Walimbe
RESEARCH & COPYWRITING: Aarti Sonpal
DESIGN LEAD: Aarti Sonpal
ART DIRECTION: Aarti Sonpal
PHOTOGRAPHY: Aanya Agarwal
PHOTO EDITING: Gaura Singh
PRINT & PRODUCTION: Devvrat Aggarwal
PRINT & PRODUCTION: Devvrat Aggarwal
