Keman (“Flower Garland” Temple Decoration) 1900 - 1925

These “Flower Garland” temple decorations, or keman, were created by Niiro Chōnosuke. You know, when I look at these, I’m struck by how delicate they are, despite being made of what looks like forged metal. The artist's process is so visible here. Each petal, each curve of the frame, seems to bear the trace of the hand that shaped it, there is so much detail. The flowers themselves are so tactile, and they're almost begging to be touched, which is a testament to the artist’s skill. Looking at these temple decorations, I can't help but think of other metalworkers who pushed the boundaries of their medium like David Smith. But where Smith aimed for monumentality, Chōnosuke achieves a kind of intimate grandeur. In both cases, art becomes a conversation across time, echoing and expanding upon the ideas of those who came before.