photograph:Kenji Ishiguro
Tsutomu Iwasaki
1972 Born in Nanto City,Toyama Prefecture. Graduated from Musashino Art University, Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Sculpture. In 2008, he moved his workshop to Higashi-iwase, Toyama City and opened “Mokuchou Iwasaki”
Kuuge-rensui-gokuraku-jyoudo-zu @ Kyosyuji-Shin-midou
This wooden statue was created about 300 years ago by Kouun Watanabe, a legendary Buddhist sculptor from Kyoto.
The wood carving relief behind the Buddha was created by the wood carving artist Tsutomu Iwasaki. He is an internationally active artist who currently creates works at his studio in East-Iwase-town.
This space is a scene where petals fall from the sky and a lotus flower opens. From there Buddha emerges. Seven wooden boards are combined to create one scene.
The shape is revealed by carving a single board using only knives. This technique is rare in the world. This work was created when he was in his 40s, and it will be one of the greatest works of his career.
