Forged copper vase “Setting sun”
- Metalwork
- Presented in 1996
- H 18.0 x W 24.5 x D 21.0 cm
- Not for Sale
This vase was made from a flat copper disc by hammering and decorated with Nunome-Zogan or damascene work using gold and platinum foils.
The color of metals, copper, gold and platinum express a view of the evening sea when the sun is sinking.
| Category | Metalwork |
|---|---|
| Year Presented | 1996 |
| Dimensions | H 18.0 x W 24.5 x D 21.0 cm |
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Hammer forming
In hammer forming (tankin), a mallet is used to shape a sheet of metal by hammering it into recessions in a wooden stump or block. Next, the metal sheet is worked on the end of specially shaped iron bars known as forming stakes (ategane) to gradually create the final form. It takes tens of thousands of hammer strikes to produce a single finished work.
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Metal inlay
In metal inlay (zōgan), designs are cut into the surface of a piece and inlaid with a different metal of contrasting color or texture.
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Embossing
Embossing, or metal chasing (uchidashi), is the process of using punches to raise designs on metal by repeatedly hammering the face or back of a piece (the latter technique being known as “repoussage”). Embossed work can take the shape of highly pronounced three-dimensional forms or shallow reliefs like those seen on brooches and ornaments for kimono obi.
Living National Treasure Yukie Osumi
On tankin (hammered) vessels and by applying the traditional techniques of chasing, mainly nunome-zogan (textile imprint inlay), OSUMI captures the feelings of nature with motifs of formless flowing subjects such as waves, streams, clouds, or winds. She creates vessels and utensils used in traditional culture such as flower vases, tea and calligraphy utensils; she is also aware of formations that harmonize with contemporary living space.