Botanical Textures Objet d'Art 19

A tropical fruit that will live forever. This objet d’art by Alyne Ohigashi imaginatively draws on natural forms and her knowledge of botany to create a fantastical botanical sculpture. Its texture is inspired by a fruit; it might also be likened to the ridges of a cactus, crowned by a flower reaching for the sun—an intriguing combination that rewards repeated viewing. 

Sculpted out of Tobe porcelain—difficult to work with for such a detailed art piece—every single ridge is individually crafted and applied by hand, giving the piece a naturally organic rhythm. The coral red glaze flows across each dip and cranny, further accentuating the texture. A surprising contrast of blue ripples down like water, juice, or sap, adding to the sense of life. The piece’s interplay of light and shadow invites viewing in every kind of light.

Exploring new possibilities in Tobe ware, Ohigashi remains true to the materials of the craft while adding her own innovations. Drawing on botanical shapes and marine hues familiar to her from a childhood spent in the Philippines, Ohigashi skillfully unifies her two homelands. The result feels both nostalgic and new, familiar and strange, an intriguing ambiguity that encourages the viewer to create their own meaning.

Just like a real plant, this piece encourages an emotional bond with its caretaker. Every single ridge and curve is unique, reflecting both the symmetry and variation alive in the natural world. Not only beautiful but a delight to touch, this work brings a lively presence to a foyer, centerpiece, or desk, inviting in turns conversation and quiet reflection. It is a playful symphony of imagination, a rhythmic ode to nature.

Ohigashi Alyne

Ohigashi Alyne works within the time-honored craft of Tobe ware, bringing her unique voice to this centuries-old medium. Combining traditional techniques with her own distinct designs and glazing styles, she turns the pristine white surfaces of Tobe porcelain into canvases for her vibrant colors and textures.

With a background in agricultural research, Ohigashi excels in botanical and natural motifs and forms. Through a combination of intuition and a deep understanding of technique and materials, she crafts ceramic sculptures and objets d’art that seek to expand the horizons and possibilities of Tobe ware as a medium.

Tobe Ware

Tobe ware is porcelain produced in the Tobe region of Ehime Prefecture, located in the northwest of Shikoku Island. The white porcelain, with its beautiful, slightly bluish hue from the iron content, continues to be highly valued and loved. Tobe ware maintains a strong respect for traditional handicraft techniques, even amidst modernization.