Material:
Fired Clay (Painted with natural pigments).
Context:
Showa Era (Vintage). Origin: Mt. Kurama (Kyoto), Japan.
The Narrative:
"A-UN" — The Cycle of Existence.
This unique sculpture features two tigers fused onto a single base.
The right tiger opens its mouth ("Ah" / Alpha), symbolizing the beginning of all things. The left tiger closes its mouth ("Un" / Omega), symbolizing the end.
The fact that they are inseparable signifies a profound truth: the beginning and the end are one. It is a visual representation of the universe's cycle, captured in a small clay object.
History of Kurama:
The Legend of 770 AD.
Inscribed on the base is "Kurama-Yama" (Mt. Kurama), a historic mountain north of Kyoto known today as the birthplace of Reiki.
The temple was founded in 770 AD during the Nara Period. According to ancient texts, the guardian deity Bishamonten appeared on this mountain at the "Hour of the Tiger." Since then, the tiger has been depicted not as a wild animal, but as a symbolic guardian of the ancient capital.
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. The vibrant orange paint and bold black stripes have aged beautifully. Small scratches or wear are not defects, but the "Patina" of time.
Placement:
Traditionally, these figures were placed at entrances as symbolic gatekeepers.
Today, their compact, modern form makes them a perfect object for a work desk or a quiet bookshelf. They add a layer of Japanese history and intellectual curiosity to a minimalist space.
Material:
Fired Clay (Painted with natural pigments).
Context:
Showa Era (Vintage). Origin: Mt. Kurama (Kyoto), Japan.
The Narrative:
"A-UN" — The Cycle of Existence.
This unique sculpture features two tigers fused onto a single base.
The right tiger opens its mouth ("Ah" / Alpha), symbolizing the beginning of all things. The left tiger closes its mouth ("Un" / Omega), symbolizing the end.
The fact that they are inseparable signifies a profound truth: the beginning and the end are one. It is a visual representation of the universe's cycle, captured in a small clay object.
History of Kurama:
The Legend of 770 AD.
Inscribed on the base is "Kurama-Yama" (Mt. Kurama), a historic mountain north of Kyoto known today as the birthplace of Reiki.
The temple was founded in 770 AD during the Nara Period. According to ancient texts, the guardian deity Bishamonten appeared on this mountain at the "Hour of the Tiger." Since then, the tiger has been depicted not as a wild animal, but as a symbolic guardian of the ancient capital.
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. The vibrant orange paint and bold black stripes have aged beautifully. Small scratches or wear are not defects, but the "Patina" of time.
Placement:
Traditionally, these figures were placed at entrances as symbolic gatekeepers.
Today, their compact, modern form makes them a perfect object for a work desk or a quiet bookshelf. They add a layer of Japanese history and intellectual curiosity to a minimalist space.
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