Mizuki Matsuoka / Art Peace Set (Humbaba Lyric)

Small 6cm W x 2.5cm H Large 11cm W x 2.5cm H

“Humbaba Lyric," an art piece that marries traditional pottery with profound historical narratives. Crafted from Seto's unique magnetic clay and coated in a transparent glaze, each piece undergoes a meticulous three-time firing process, culminating in a silver-plated finish that dazzles the eye. The artist employs the uzukuri technique, pressing porcelain clay onto cedar wood to accentuate its natural grain, creating a textured surface that plays with light and shadow in a mirror-like expanse, inviting viewers to reflect on memories and the spiritual realm.

"Humbaba Lyric" draws inspiration from the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh, where Humbaba stands as the guardian of the cedar forest, symbolizing the primal fear of nature's might and humanity's impact on it. This artwork serves as a contemporary meditation on environmental issues, echoing Humbaba's lament and urging a reevaluation of our relationship with nature. Through the replication of cedar wood grain akin to ancient clay tablet inscriptions, the artist connects with the earliest forms of literature, presenting the work as a scattered poem throughout the space, inviting contemplation on our shared history and future with the natural world.