Different Present

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Nazca Lines in Southern Lima, Peru
(AFP)

3-D color printer used to bring Hokusai’s masterpiece to life for visually impaired

12 DECEMBER 2014 ROCKET NEWS 24 JESSICA

If you are a sighted person with an internet connection, chances are you have seen Katsushika Hokusai’s famous painting Mount Fuji Seen Below a Wave at Kanagawa at some point. Despite the clunky title, it is one of the most recognized pieces of Japanese art ever.

Now, thanks to 3-D printing, a company called K’s Design Lab, and Tsutaya’s bookstore-cum-lounge property T-Site, visually impaired art lovers too will soon be able to see this work by literally getting their hands on it.

According to @unosuke, a representative for K’s Design on Twitter, the piece was actually a part of a collaboration with Dr. Susumu Oouchi of the National Institute of Special Needs Education.

The contoured version of the famous painting allows visually impaired people to feel what Hokusai’s work looks like. Meanwhile, the lovely color and texture of the mold is appealing even for sighted people. Read More