Keywords: braiding, cardboard, japan, masashi tsukada, toyko, glass

Wrapping Stone

Masashi Tsukada

Dimensions

each board 285 x 20 x 600 mm

Materials

72 sea ground glass bottle fragments encased in braiding mounted in lines of 6 on 12 cardboard rectangles

Artist statement

‘There is a braiding technique we Japanese use as a lucky charm to protect our life. The braiding technique dates back to 145 BC. In the 7th century, it was transmitted with Buddhism and there are many variations. Making braid was one of the important skills of the Samurai warrior. Everyone who was a warrior had to create special braids. Then, at the end of 17th century, the technique of braiding became part of the women’s accessory, the obi belt.

Over time a glass bottle, thrown way in the sea as garbage, is worn down by wave and sand. In nature a glass bottle changes from waste to jewellery and is planted on the beach like a seed. I gathered small jewels like this and wrapped them one by one. These are all a gift from nature.’

Behind the scenes

Explanation of Lace Techniques