Tradition× Art
Thoughts behind the carving of the wooden form
The purpose of this project was not just to create a tourist souvenir, but to create a new attraction by spotlighting and mixing local charms from multiple perspectives. Okuyama Houkouji Temple is already known as a historic and famous temple, but by employing a woodcarving artist from Hamamatsu, we have created a new product that combines tradition and art. Starting with the first batch of confections featuring the Five Hundred Arhats, we will continue to explore Oku-Hamanako from unique perspectives in the future.
Short CV
IKESHIMA Kosuke｜池島 康輔
Born and currently residing in Hamamatsu.
Graduated from the Sculpture Department of the Fine Arts Faculty at Tama Art University in 2008.
Completed the sculpture program at the Graduate School of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts.
Member of the Naruyama Gallery and has held numerous solo exhibitions in Tokyo.
Creates wooden sculptures of people and animals using classical techniques. Incorporating perspectives such as mythology and the concept of life and death, attempts to connect the lineage of traditional Japanese woodworking with western interpretations.
Particular interest in "miya-bori" (temple carvings), and installed their carvings at the Kakiyama Shorin-ji Temple in their hometown of Hamamatsu.