Heat-welded Hammered Brass and Silver Vessel "Moonlit Beach Cushion Sea Star"

After making the "Paper Nautilus", I was thinking of what sea creature I would use for my next design. Before the Paper Nautilus, I also made a piece using my favorite sea urchin as a motif.
Although I love the ocean, I cannot swim. So, whenever I go to the beach, I have more friendly feelings towards sea creatures living around the beach.
The first creatures you will probably see are starfish or sea stars. The common starfish can be a good friend to play with.
I chose the Cushion Sea Star that especially have fun and beautiful bumps and dips.
I carved out the shape of the starfish from the brass lid and brazed a silver starfish carved into the same shape onto the lid. I used a chisel from the inner side of the lid to make bumps and dips on the surface.

• Hard soldering

  Hard soldering (hagiawase) is a technique used join together different types of metal sheet. The technique makes it possible to create metalwork with striped or patchwork patterns. Once joined, the artisan may continue to shape the metal with a hammer.