Kinoko Bronze TOKU Sculpture

This is one of series of Ai Hashimoto's bronze works. This work is a collaboration between a Japanese master of copper ware and Ai Hashimoto. It is a precious work of art that combines Japanese tradition and contemporary art. Bronzeware is said to be an art form that appreciates rust. Skilled masters use a variety of techniques to corrode the metal and bring out its vibrant 'colours'. These precious bronze works are in collaboration with a master of colouring bronze and copper wares in Japan. In general, the colour of bronze depends on the type of metals and components of the alloy, polishing levels and colouring techniques. Colours from Japan-specific techniques are totally unique. Unlike paintings and frescoes, metal objects received less attention in terms of colour. However, masters of colouring bronze and copper ware in Japan have a variety of colouring techniques and methods, which have been inherited from ancient times and originally developed. In Europe, bronze colouring is generally done by spraying or painting the surface of the products. Colours from Japan-specific techniques are completely different. It is difficult to find such masters even in Japan, but they understand in a sensitive way how to adjust components of solution or timing of heating on the basis of weather, humidity, components of alloy, polished levels. A point worth mentioning is that Japanese masters often use local ingredients closely related to the Japanese way of life such as green tea, grated radish, sake, rice bran, sour plums and of course URUSHI - Japanese natural lacquer - for colouring.