HARICO TIGER - Story -
- Story -
“HARICO TIGER” is a work of art based on the “papier-mâché tiger” that has been passed down in Japan since ancient times, with new paintings and a breath of modernity.The Japanese word "HARICO" means "papier-mâché" in English/French, and is a general term for objects made of paper.The combination of five colors, jade, orange, red plum, iron black, and yokai, further accentuates the tiger's "presence" and "mystique".The exquisite harmony of individual elements expresses the symbolic meaning of the tiger's strength, bewitchingness, and cuteness through its unique painting.In order to pass down Japanese traditional crafts, I would like people all over the world to recognize the ”papier-mâché tiger”, and to connect the culture for a long time to come.While respecting traditional elements, it will lead you to a new area of art.
ー History ー
Papier-mâché is said to have existed during the Heian period (around 710 AD) in Japan.The tiger is a legendary creature that walks a thousand miles a day and is said to always return to its roost, and the stability of its return symbolizes good luck.In the Edo period (around 1603 AD), paper tigers began to be used as gifts for boys' first annual festivals.This gift was a symbol of auspicious local toys that wished for healthy growth and career advancement, just like a tiger.Even now, it is widely used as an item for praying for health and success, for traffic safety, and for warding off evil in celebrations of the first festivals and new beginnings in life.The tiger, which is very popular in this way, is an animal that often appears in "UKIYO-E" and Japanese paintings since the Edo period.A tiger full of vitality is also drawn in the later paintings of the famous Katsushika Hokusai.
[ Katsushika Hokusai Tiger in the rain 1849 ]
(Source: Ota Memorial Museum HP)
http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/collection/list04
Its appearance gives a sense of impending momentum, and at the same time it is also a symbol of good luck and success."HARICO TIGER" expresses the tiger's "strength" and "bewitchingness" in a POP style, and is a fusion of ancient traditions and modern ideas.
- Feature -
The characteristic ”papier-mâché tiger” is all made of paper and the object is hollow.The ”papier-mâché tiger’s” head and body are connected by metal fittings, and when the head is touched, it moves up, down, left, and right as if it were bowing due to its weight.
— Tiger shape —
The characteristic part of the base tiger modeling method is that it is all made of paper.The craftsmen at the papier-mâché tiger factory blow melted paper into a mold, take it out of the mold when the moisture has evaporated, and dry it to shape the tiger.(This manufacturing method is slightly different from the ancient papier-mâché manufacturing method.)This alone is not strong enough, so the GOFUN is dipped in and dried again.This material called "GOFUN" is an organic pigment made from shell powder and is widely used in Japan as a finishing material because it becomes very hard when dried."HARICO TIGER" is finally ready for painting after going through many processes.
ー Design ー
Part of the design of "HARICO TIGER" incorporates a hand-drawn technique called pinstripe,Using a dedicated long-tipped brush to draw fine lines, my works are a fusion of classic elegance and contemporary style.Fine lines bring out the fur and dynamism of the tiger, and the detailed design emphasizes the dignity of the tiger.The delicate finish creates an original design while respecting the traditional elements of the "papier-mâché tiger".In addition, the work with bones drawn on the half of the tiger and the work painted in black symbolically express the strength and resilience of the tiger.By exposing a part of the bone, it suggests the vitality and mystery hidden inside the tiger.This novel approach embodies the fusion of traditional papier-mâché tigers with a new perspective.The pop design of “Kobai” exudes youthful energy and playfulness.Brilliant colors and catchy designs fuse to reconstruct the tiger image in a colorful and unique way.It will be a breakthrough to convey the charm of "papier-mâché tiger" to a new generation.His works depicting unique “Yokai” are a fusion of tradition and fantasy.The combination of a tiger and a ghost that has been passed down in Japan since the Middle Ages creates a mysterious atmosphere and mysterious charm.This work adds another dimension to the essence of the papier-mâché tiger and stimulates people's imagination.The fusion of a Yokai and a Tiger expresses the realm where good old traditions and the ``richness of the heart'' that the Japanese have that can be seen through Yokai intersect.Please discover the richness of the Japanese people since ancient times, the people's imagination, and this mysterious charm.
ー From Creator ー
"HARICO TIGER" is a collection of art that loves the "papier-mâché tiger" and celebrates its strength and beauty in a new way.While the elements of colors, pinstripes, bones, POP, lettering, and monsters have their own individuality,They share the common goal of conveying the original power and charm of the "papier-mâché tiger" to the next generation.Up to now, many people have responded to the new art at the "HARICO TIGER" exhibition.I believe that this is because "HARICO TIGER" reminds people of the strength and courage of the tiger, and at the same time makes them feel the expansion of the possibilities of art."papier-mâché tiger" has been valued as a lucky charm and amulet since ancient times, and "HARICO TIGER" respects that tradition.It is a work that resonates with contemporary sensibilities by creating new interpretations and expressions with the power of art."HARICO TIGER" promises to become a symbol of a new era while honoring the tradition of "papier-mâché tiger"
JETWRENCH ArtStudio / Keiji TAKATA