Jan, 2018
Since Feb of 2017, I've wanted to design poseable paper koi lanterns without using glue or tape. I ran into a lot of design blocks and gave up for a year. Then late Jan of 2018 I suddenly got inspiration from diy Ikea lamps. The way the lamp pieces interlock became the bases of how the koi fish's scales interlock.
The scales are designed to hold each other together, and yet be loose enough to bend and pose the koi. Here's the very first prototype without a head and place-holder fins. I stuck a desk light into it's headless neck to test out how well it works as a lamp.