Kashigata Torii

Title:  “Kashigata Torii”

Year:  2011

Medium:  Ceramic

Description:  Wall Sculpture

Style:  Representational

Inspiration:  Inspired by Japanese philosophy, culture, art and aesthetics: Striving towards the ideals of harmony and simplicity.

Subject: The Torii represents a gateway into a sacred place. The location chosen by the collector is at the entrance to her home.  All of the kashigata subjects are symbolic. Kashigata are carved into motifs that have specific meaning and purpose. Images that signify specific values were chosen according to the event being celebrated. Auspicious symbols play a significant role in Japanese culture such as: Koi – Perseverance, strength, courage and the ability to attain high goals

Each Tile:  7 x 11 x 4 in. (+/-)

Technique:  High fired stoneware, slabs were hand pressed into antique Japanese carved wood block ceremonial kashigata (confectionery molds), attached to a slab, stained with a red iron oxide wash and gas fired in a reduction atmosphere. Spacers are used between the wall and slabs to give the illusion of floating off the wall. Assembled to represent a Torii.

Predominant Colors:  Shades of red, black and brown

Price:  SOLD (new, commissioned work available) $350 each tile. Delivery and installation by the artist is recommended.

Note:  Image #1 shows the full scale sculpture. Image #2 shows how the sculpture was scaled to fit the location chosen by the collector. The arrangement leading down the staircase allowed the collector to get two different wall sculptures from one piece.