Dear readers once suggested that I not ignore the topic of bone carving. Yes, the delicate, skillfully executed works of oriental carvers are amazing, but we’ll talk about them next time. Today I want to introduce you to the unusual works of tusk carving master Ando Rokuzan from Japan.
Here's a quote from a person who visited an exhibition of Ando's works:
The first thing that struck me when I saw Ando Rokuzan's works was their freshness, as if I could almost hear the breath of life in them! The solid ivory is processed so finely and the coloring is so delicate that fruits, vegetables and insects look real!
Branch with persimmon fruits:
Ando Rokuzan was born in 1885. His father died when he was nine years old and he was adopted by his aunt. His adoptive father was Yajiro Ando, a metalworker, and after finishing elementary school he learned ivory carving, which is how he became an independent artist.
Since he did not take on students during his lifetime, no one can tell in detail how these works were created.
At that time, in the art world, "white background texture" was the main focus of tusk carving.
Ando Rokuzan had his own style, saying: “When ivory is painted, the color gives it life and a unique look.”
Midoriyama Ando's work can be seen at the Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum in Kyoto. “Bamboo shoots, plums”, “Three eggplants”, “Tropical rare fruits”, etc. are on permanent display.
The realism of Ando Rokuzan's work is amazing. But this is not a simple copy; all these plants are filled with warmth and vitality!
