Memorial Hall
Sasaki Shodo Memorial Museum
The elegance and beauty of the works of Sasaki Shodo, a Living National Treasure with ties to Sado
You will surely be captivated by the breath of life
Sasaki Shodo
1882 (Meiji 15) - 1961 (Showa 36)
Real name: Sasaki Bunzo
Born in the former Sawada town. Grew up in a very poor family, he worked as a servant from the age of 11 and graduated from high school. He had aspired to be a painter, but had to give up on that dream due to his extreme nearsightedness.
He studied under the first Miyata Rando and learned wax casting, later taking the name Shodo.
"Auspicious Bird" a masterpiece of wax casting
A piece designed with a phoenix, which is said to bring good luck.
In 1958, he exhibited at the Japan Crafts Exhibition and won the top prize.
It was chosen to design the ridge ornament for the construction of the new Imperial Palace.
Even today, its grandeur stands tall as a symbol of the palace.
Process and characteristics of the work
[Wax casting technique]
This is an ancient technique of casting using wax as the material, and the flexibility of the wax allows for free shaping.
【Features】
The animal's characteristics are accurately captured, and its shape is reconstructed using straight lines and curves to create a sharp finish.
Highly acclaimed for its unique techniques and aesthetic sense
1
The wax is processed with a bamboo spatula or with the hands to create a prototype of the work, which is then wrapped in mineral clay.
2
Bake at high temperature to make the wax flow out of the mold
3
Molten metal is poured into the cavity that has been drained, cooled, and the mold is broken.
4
Finish with abrasive tools such as files
Other exhibits (partial list)
And explained
"Wax-cast brass willow vase"
Taisho 8
The lines running up and down in multiple layers have a tightness that has been thoroughly thought out from a design perspective.
The craftsmanship of the willow branches is extremely intricate and represents the pinnacle of wax casting technology.
"Wax cast copper statue of a young Baroufu"
1957
The sculpture depicts the innocent appearance of a young boy in a Buddhist statue.
"Wax-cast Gilt-bronze Auspicious Bird Incense Burner"
1932
The incense burner is designed in the shape of a peacock and placed on a round bowl. It was an extremely innovative piece at the time. The auspicious appearance and the feathers and copper patterns are a good indication of the artist's style.
“Two wax-cast bronze fish themes”
1960
It was made as a decoration for the newly completed Togu Palace.
This work captures the moment when two fish are about to dive deep into the water. They are stabilized on the platform using their fins, the large one supported on four points and the small one on three points.
"Wax cast Hiten figurine"
1934
I was overwhelmed and fascinated by the rich beauty of the ancient cultural relics I saw in the Buddhist statues of ancient temples and shrines in Nara and Kyoto, as well as in the Shosoin Repository. The impression I felt then accumulated and blossomed. The technique used to stabilize the flowing folds of the flying celestial maiden's clothes on the stand is unique and magnificent. The smile on the celestial maiden's face also succinctly expresses the impression I got from the Asuka Buddha.
