Cosmos by Mayumi Onagi

Object / Organic Natural Conceptual

Published: 11.02.2022

Selected Finalist at the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2022.

Resembling a colossal seed, this large-scale lacquer work expresses the chain of life from ancient times to the future and the great power that supports it. The work is divided into two parts, the upper part has been shaped using a traditional kanshitsu modeling technique, in which linen is hardened with soil and lacquer. Over a period of six months, the linen has been layered and shaved back to create a stratum-like texture on the surface and then rubbed and polished. The lower part is made from katsura wood, and the surface is carved to express the flow of water.