The 'Paws' divination blocks were the first assignment given to me during my foundation year of product design. According to the theme assigned by my professor, we are supposed to create a pair of hand held products that are inter-dependable and inseparable. Furthermore, to up the challenge, we have to abstract the qualities of our own zodiac -- which mine is a Dog. From what i know, Dogs are known to be a loyal partner. Therefore, my idea would revolve around 'loyalty'. 

The 'Paws', are designed to imitate the paws of Hachiko, which was famous for its exceptional loyalty. To further enhance ‘loyalty’, the product is also made with subtle changes to the material (i.e. being 'honest' to the material). The grain direction of the wood also flows in the direction that will make the surface looks like the ‘fur’ of a dog.

The 'Paws' work just like the typical divination blocks. Divination blocks are actually a pair of moon-shaped mirror imaged blocks, which according to believers, function as a means to communicate with the deities. The devotees will began by asking a question, followed by tossing the blocks in mid-air and allowing it to fall freely to the ground. If the deity agrees, the blocks will land facing opposite directions. However, if the deity disagrees, the blocks will land facing the same directions.

Given that the 'Paws' are designed to fit nicely in one palm (i.e. smaller in scale), this definitely makes it more difficult to carve the intricate details of a dog paw. In fact, certain level of accuracy is also required since both paws need to be mirror imaged of each other.