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Object Timeline

2003

  • Work on this object began.

2006

2014

2015

2024

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Textile, Virtual Fruit

This is a Textile. It was designed by Hitoshi Ujiie and printed by Hitoshi Ujiie. It is dated 2003 and we acquired it in 2006. Its medium is silk and its technique is digital inkjet printed with acid dyes. It is a part of the Textiles department.

Virtual Fruit (2003) achieves a sense of movement through the randomization of pattern over extended lengths. The subtle tonal gradation and sense of transparency showcased in this textile typify the delicate aesthetic of Hitoshi Ujiie’s work, which is only possible with inkjet technology. While it is theoretically possible to print millions of colors with a four-color printing process, Ujiie uses inkjet technology to create precise, layered, dimensional effects and refined color blending.
Ujiie is a textile designer, educator, and founder of the Center for Excellence of Digital Inkjet Printing at Philadelphia University. Ujiie’s work is an exploration of the aesthetic implications of digital inkjet printing for textiles, a technology bringing about profound changes in the approach to design for this medium. Ujiie exploits the full range of effects that can be achieved through digital technology by combining hand manipulation with photographic and video source material. Digital technology permits a fineness of line not previously possible due to the higher resolution of inkjet printing in comparison to screen technology. Digital inkjet printing also eliminates the need for repeats, allowing Ujiie to explore textile designs unconstrained by the convention of repetition.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled Digital Silk.

This object was donated by Hitoshi Ujiie. It is credited Gift of Hitoshi Ujiie.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 342.9 x 127 cm (135 x 50 in.)

Cite this object as

Textile, Virtual Fruit; Designed by Hitoshi Ujiie (American, b. Japan); USA; silk; H x W: 342.9 x 127 cm (135 x 50 in.); Gift of Hitoshi Ujiie; 2006-10-1

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Design Life Now: National Design Triennial 2006.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18704615/ |title=Textile, Virtual Fruit |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=26 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>