This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic.
This necklace is from Kunio Takeda's 'Organic and Inorganic' collection. The sterling silver necklace is crafted by hand featuring an intriguing harmony of contrasts in texture.
Product Features:
- Weight:0.25 oz
- Pendant Dimensions: 1.2" L x 1" W x 0.1" D
- Chain: 17.75" L
- Chain width: 1 mm
- Style: Pendant
- Metal: Sterling silver
- Finish: Combination
- Chain: Omega
- Clasp: Lobster claw
- Metal weight: 7 grams
- Marked with artist's initials or trademark
- Made in Mexico
Story Behind the Art:
My designs come as a fusion of aesthetics and my passion for conserving the environment. My desire is to spread the images of Mexico's natural world.
When I was a child I played with birds, I flew the kites I made, and I loved trekking in nearby mountains, where I learned to fish in rivers and lakes. I've always loved being near nature. I grew up with my siblings and parents in the countryside – my parents where farmers not artists. I joined the art club at school, and that's where my story in art begins: I was introduced to painting with watercolors, xylogravure, and mural paintings in 2x5 m walls. Though it kept me busy, I never forgot my responsibilities at home, including family activities and chores.
I was born in Japan in 1948, and after high school I took different courses to become a sculptor, my favorite media were wood and ceramic. The first sculpture I made was carved from walnut wood, 'Mother and Child,' which I gave to friend who was really like a patron of my work.
I came to Mexico when I was 25 years old to study at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, in their National School of Fine Arts, and I furthered by studies at the National School of Design and Handicrafts. I specialize in artistic silver.
In 1991 I was invited to be a judge at Taxco's International Silver Fair, and I've been to exhibit my work in different Japanese cities over 30 times, as well as throughout Mexico.
I've been dedicated to this art form for over 40 years, specializing primarily in silver, and each of my pieces are crafted by hand with traditional silver techniques that include openwork, lost wax, chiseling, etc.
My love of nature is my inspiration – I admire the great variety of flora and fauna that surrounds us! Traditional celebrations and fiestas from countryside villages also are a source of inspiration, for I love to transform them into landscape pieces featuring the unique sheen of silver.
My collections include rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, chains, buckles, brooches and sculptures. Sometimes I'll add gemstones such as turquoise, opal and jade amongst others. I also design and craft spoons and forks, vases and other utilitarian and artistic pieces.
I also love to read, walks in the countryside where I can also sit and paint, and prepare Mexican cuisine and beverages!
As an artist, one of my greatest challenges came in 2002, when a friend in Los Angeles commissioned a sculpture of Buddha, completely made of silver. It took me three years to finish the 20" x 16" x 12" piece.
One of the first wood sculptures I made , it featured male genitalia, which inspired many other sculptures. From this experience I learned that my artistic creativity needed to be constantly evolving.
Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days