konpeito vending kiosk

Artist's notes on style, materials and inspiration:

Anyone who has followed my work for a while (and sees my company name) knows about my love for vending machines, especially the Japanese variety. They are to be found everywhere, particularly the drinks kind, making sure that everyone has access to a beverage (and sometimes many other things) in all kinds of places.

This konpeito vending kiosk has a vending machine out front housed in a little wooden shed. Konpeito (also pronounced kompeito) are bumpy little coloured balls of Japanese sugar candy which developed from sweets ('confeito') brought to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. They used to take a week to make as a grain of coarse sugar was coated again and again in sugar syrup. Because they are sort of star shaped they are often seen around the time of the tanabata festival but they are available all year round. Those in the know are aware that they are dust bunnies' (and soot sprites) favourite food - so its always worth tossing one or two into dark corners to keep them happy. Around the back of this vending machine is a girl dressed up as a jar of konpeito - take her out to find she's totally coated in them.

Jar has been turned from poplar by a production wood turner in the UK to my designs, then altered, added to and painted by me, a British artist. Finished in a clear matt acrylic protective top coat.

Approximately 14cm in height.

My pieces are painted in a naïve and simple style, with visible brush strokes and differing paint consistencies. It is important to note that these dolls are made from real wood which will have naturally occurring markings and grain, and sometimes there will be small amount of bleeding along the grain, or knots, which is to be expected when using untreated wood - please make sure you consult the pictures carefully before purchasing.

PLEASE NOTE: Wood girls should be kept away from water which can damage the wood and painted surface, and also away from direct heat/ sunlight which also can affect the surface colour and the timber itself. THIS IS NOT A TOY and should be kept out of the reach of children.