Masako Miki

Masako Miki’s artistic journey is an exploration of mythology, folklore, and collective storytelling, positioning her work at the intersection of cultural identity and human connection. By utilising a diverse range of mediums from textile sculpture to watercolour and large-scale public art, Miki draws inspiration from the animist traditions of Shinto, wherein the natural and spiritual realms are closely linked. Through her vibrant forms and imaginative characters, she invites viewers into newly constructed mythologies that address themes of belonging, community, and shared experience.

Her work, the ‘Ancient Lacquered Vase,’ exemplifies this approach as it transitioned from a tabletop scale to a monumental sculpture in collaboration with Jessica Silverman and the Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University For 'Ancient Laquered Vase', Miki draws inspiration from tsukumogami, the folkloric belief that everyday objects acquire a spirit after a hundred years of existence. Here, the humble lacquered vase becomes a sentient being, reborn through scale, color, and form. The work also pays homage to the lacquerware traditions of Osaka, Miki’s hometown, where artisans have crafted utilitarian objects into vessels of beauty for centuries. By merging cultural memory with fantastical reinvention, Miki reimagines the vase as a hybrid spirit, quietly alive.

Developed from a digital model based on an earlier work, the sculpture reaches an impressive height of 7 feet. Its creation involved 3D printing PMMA patterns to facilitate the lost-wax casting process, followed by casting in silicon bronze. Each component was attentively fitted, welded, and hand-finished to achieve a smooth satin surface, preserving the essence of the original artwork while adapting it to a new scale.

A striking cupric teal patina was applied, enhancing the bronze surface with both depth and vibrancy. A custom-painted aluminium baseplate further prepares the work for long-term outdoor display, ensuring it not only captivates the viewer's attention but also stands resilient against the elements.