Inner Space - Bright
FANG Xiaohan
Japan Wabunka Grandprix 2023 - Excellent Student Award
50×50×55mm
Materials: Silver, copper, red copper, Shibuichi (Japanese copper alloy)
Techniques: Metal inlay
In Buddhist terminology, there is a saying, "One flower, one world" (a single flower is a world unto itself). Even the small and often overlooked things can become a world of their own, containing within them a strong life force and inherent value. I created a box shaped like an unadorned stone. When opened, it reveals an interior with grass or a starry sky. On one hand, the stone symbolizes the ordinary things that we don't consider valuable. On the other hand, the stone possesses its own individuality and exists vibrantly in the world as an essential part of the wind and grass.
Metal Inlay: known as "zogan" in Japanese, is a traditional technique where metals like gold, silver, or copper are inserted into the surface of another metal object.
I believe that by rubbing a lacquer painting on a thick translucent glass body, it is possible to express the soft light and depth that was intended.
——FUJITA Nagomi
I envisioned the interior and exterior of the box as two distinct worlds, continuously creating my work while contemplating the contrasts between simplicity and complexity, connection and isolation, and appearance and essence.
【Review】by Yushi Akimoto, Director of the Nerima Art Museum
"Inner World - Daylight," a metal craft piece using alloys such as silver, copper, or shibuichi. This outstanding piece employs the inlay technique, which uses different metals to form patterns. The shape is box-like, consisting of an inner box and an outer box, with the structure representing the theme of "Inner World."
In fact, there is another piece titled "Inner World - Night," which pairs with "Daylight." In contrast to the bright silver tones of "Daylight," "Night" features a darker color scheme based on copper. "Night" is also about twice the size of "Daylight." Considering the titles and formats of the pieces, they are better understood as a pair.
As the titles suggest, "Inner World" refers to the world view revealed when the box is opened. By separating the world with the outer box and the world with only the inner box, it symbolizes the inner and outer worlds, or the duality of reality and imagination, and the two sides of things. The state of the inner box alone is called the "Inner World," and as the title indicates, it depicts a kind of psychological landscape. The outer box resembles a rock, representing a hard or unchanging world, while the inner box is filled with colorful plants, symbolizing a world brimming with vitality.
The artist's skill is evident not only in showcasing the charm of the traditional inlay technique but also in elevating this technique to express their worldview.
As a metal artist, I am often amazed by the delicacy of techniques that have existed for thousands of years during the creation process.
I aim to share these traditional techniques and colors with more people and incorporate metal art into their daily lives.
——FANG Xiaohan
Metal Carving Artist / FANG Xiaohan
Please feel free to contact us for inquiries regarding the art piece purchases, requesting a quote, or any other questions you may have.
Get the only one artpiece in the world.