nezu museum, tokyo (favourite things #156)

Nezu Museum, Tokyo (Favourite Things #156)

Artist's notes on style, materials and inspiration:

The Nezu Museum (根津美術館, Nezu bijutsukan) is home to the private collection of Nezu Kaichirō (1860–1940), and was established upon Nezu's death in 1940. It underwent a huge renovation and revamp in 2006 with a brand new building designed by my favourite architect, Kengo Kuma, reopening in 2009. It is photographed now for its building and garden as much as the art within.

This wood girl version tries to represent the very low key entrance with its huge stands of bamboo which can be experienced on the street and within the long walkway to the entrance. The information sign displays a poster from a 2024 exhibition featuring a painting of irises - the museum considers the byōbu (folding screen) entitled Irises by Ogata Kōrin, designated as a National Treasure, to be the centrepiece of its collection, and it often features in information about the museum. The museums entrance sign also features, with the zig zag style logo of the museum on it. On her head is a buddha style head, which represents the many statues and other buddhist works found within.

My 'favourite things' wood girl series share the places and things I love, a favourite motif, object or theme, or are inspired by a microseason. Turned from yellow poplar by a production wood turner in the UK to my designs, then added to and painted by me, a British artist. They are finished in a clear matt acrylic protective top coat.

Favourite Things girls are numbered on the base, this one is #156.

This girl is approximately 28cm 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: This is not a toy and should be kept out of reach of children. 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.