Mingei Arts

This unsigned, two-section basket was designed as a large and small double gourd cradled in a root-wood vine. The gourd, (hyotan), is rich in symbolism in Japan, and was a charm for longevity, (as it is extremely durable when dried), good fortune, and for being symbolic of fertility, since it has numerous seeds. The Japanese [...]

The Japanese have always enjoyed combining sculptural and functional forms with unusual and unexpected materials to produce visually and physically creative works of art. Much of the bronze process has remained unchanged throughout time—certainly, the essential interaction of the alloy and the manipulation of metals and the deep emotional connection of artist to the alchemy [...]