Multiplying Java Sparrows — A Fusion of the Microscopic World and Individuality
A fantastical piece where a flock of Java Sparrows, stars, and gold-leaf ellipses are scattered across a unique hand-built form. At first glance, it appears as a lively gathering of charming Java Sparrows, but its true underlying concept is astonishingly original.
With a background as a veterinarian, the artist once touched the deep mysteries of life through cellular examinations under a microscope. Fusing the "overwhelming energy of proliferating cells" she witnessed there with her deep love for "Java Sparrows," the birds in this work serve as a metaphor for "tumor cells."
The title Bunchoma blends "Buncho" (the Japanese word for Java Sparrow) with the medical suffix "-oma," meaning tumor. Hidden beneath the endearing name lies a truth about the essence of life.
｜Energy of Proliferation｜
Java Sparrows with two beaks evoking nuclear division, and birds behaving wildly with wide-eyed stares. What resides here is the overwhelming vitality of cells that continue to multiply, ignoring existing rules. As if invading their surroundings, each bird emits a strong individuality, portraying the very image of "cells proliferating and running wild as they please."
｜Fragments of Daily Life｜
Looking closely, some Java Sparrows hold fans engaging in fan culture ("oshi-katsu"), some enjoy roasted sweet potatoes, others munch on rice balls, or celebrate Halloween. The birds are thoroughly relishing their freedom. According to the artist, this piece was painted in October 2025. The Java Sparrows are enjoying autumn, and reflecting the social climate of that season makes this piece all the more intriguing.
｜Drama of Life｜
The gold-painted ellipses represent "cross-sections of blood vessels," expressing the dynamism of cells metastasizing to new locations through them. Furthermore, "T-killer cells" that hunt tumors are depicted as cats. Fusing the idea of turning typically cute Java Sparrows into "tumors" and the "attackers" (T-killer cells) that should be scary to tumors into cats, an immunological worldview is cynically depicted.
Expressing the microscopic world of cells through Java Sparrows within the traditional framework of Kutani ware. The intense individuality overflowing from the artist's inner world and background overlaps with the meticulous depiction of each bird, creating a one-of-a-kind, captivating masterpiece.
Dimensions: W 22 × D 21 × H 43 cm
Box Type: Wooden box with cord (Kiribako)
