31/12/2011, 02:00 AM
For a device that receives human excrement, you would think that aesthetics and value would be the lowest of priorities.
But not in Japan, where they play host to a diamond-studded toilet valued at over $ 100,000.
Comprised of more than 72,000 pieces of Swarovski cut crystal, the toilet was manufactured by INAX in tandem with a jeweler from Austria.
It is currently wowing visitors at a showroom in the Ginza shopping district.
In an ironic turn, the elaborate toilet is being used to perk up and draw in more customers to counter the economic downturn.
As an added bonus, Japan takes its deities very seriously, and bathrooms are no exception. Kazuo Sumimiya, director of the showroom, stated that “wee believe a deity exists in the [toilet]. That’s why keeping lavatories clean and taking good care of [them] have been a Japanese custom since long ago.”
People in the United States should keep that in mind.
Onlookers loved the centerpiece, while others felt that it would be a bit too uncomfortable to use.
Sumimiya added that if the toilet were sold, it would probably fetch about 10 million yen, but until then, it will be on display until the end of the year.
Source
But not in Japan, where they play host to a diamond-studded toilet valued at over $ 100,000.
Comprised of more than 72,000 pieces of Swarovski cut crystal, the toilet was manufactured by INAX in tandem with a jeweler from Austria.
It is currently wowing visitors at a showroom in the Ginza shopping district.
In an ironic turn, the elaborate toilet is being used to perk up and draw in more customers to counter the economic downturn.
As an added bonus, Japan takes its deities very seriously, and bathrooms are no exception. Kazuo Sumimiya, director of the showroom, stated that “wee believe a deity exists in the [toilet]. That’s why keeping lavatories clean and taking good care of [them] have been a Japanese custom since long ago.”
People in the United States should keep that in mind.
Onlookers loved the centerpiece, while others felt that it would be a bit too uncomfortable to use.
Sumimiya added that if the toilet were sold, it would probably fetch about 10 million yen, but until then, it will be on display until the end of the year.
Source