1991

Okimono “萌芽” (Hōga) - Emergence)

2026, 950 silver

9,0 cm

Cut from 950 silver sheet and shaped using the traditional technique of raising, this finely wrought silver sculpture unfolds in an organic form reminiscent of a blossom from which young shoots emerge. The exceptional precision of its craftsmanship lends the precious metal a remarkable lightness, making the silver appear almost alive.Suspended between botanical form and abstract contemporary metal art, the work evokes themes of growth, transformation and transience. Its matt, softly shimmering surface reinforces the impression of a moment of natural unfolding suspended in time, making the sculpture a striking synthesis of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, artistic innovation and an organic formal language.
The okimono (置物) developed into an independent form of Japanese art particularly during the Meiji period (1868–1912). Originally created as decorative objects for the tokonoma or prestigious interiors, these intricately crafted sculptures in metal, wood, ivory and lacquer gained international recognition through the World’s Fairs of the late nineteenth century. Contemporary artists continue this tradition, combining classical techniques with a modern formal language.
Toshiki Oda (b. 1991, Fukuoka) lives and works in Kanazawa. He studied industrial, interior and product design at Musashino Art University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 2015, before completing a Master’s degree in Metal Arts at Kanazawa College of Art in 2017. In 2020, he completed the technical training programme at the Metalwork Studio of Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo.
Oda’s artistic practice is rooted in an intensive engagement with plants, their forms and natural processes of growth. By combining traditional metalworking techniques with a contemporary sculptural language, he explores materiality, time and the traces of the creative process. The present okimono occupies a particular place within his oeuvre as his first work executed in silver.
Oda’s work is regularly presented at major international art and craft fairs, including Art Fair Tokyo, Art Collaboration Kyoto and KOGEI NEXT. His work has received numerous awards, including the Sokeikai Award (2019), the President’s Encouragement Award of the Kanazawa Craft Association (2020), and the World Craft City Declaration Commemorative Award (2018).