There is an ancient Japanese concept called mitate (literally “a new point of view”), where specific objects are used in new and interesting ways. One example of this concept is the use of gravel in Japanese rock gardens to portray flowing water. While this is an ancient Japanese tradition, contemporary sculptor Hirotoshi Itō was inspired by the powerful message of mitate.
Hirotoshi Itō, born in 1964, is a Japanese artist who specializes in integrating new and eye-catching techniques with traditional practices. Itō’s family has been in the stone-carving business since 1879, and he grew up surrounded by carved lanterns and gravestones. He attended Tokyo University of the Arts, where he studied metalworking. After graduating, he began to work with the material his family’s legacy was based upon: stone. Itō has two main types of art: realistic sculptures of everyday objects made with stone (eg. sweaters, teddy bears, etc.), and smaller pieces that work with the natural form of the stone, turning it into something new, as shown in the photos above. These works are small and delicate, and they demonstrate an immense amount of skill and care.
The process behind these small sculptures is as intricate and beautiful as the product is itself. I spoke to Hirotoshi Itō and he explained that the time to complete one work can range from several days to a month. He explained that he collects stones from the riverbed near his home in Matsumoto, Japan and he creates the ideas for his work while he looks for the perfect stones. He then builds upon the original shape of the stone, carving and adding other materials such as wood, glass, and metal. This part of the process can be challenging, since the interior of the stone might be compromised and could easily break while being carved.
In the end, the challenges and hard work pay off, and Itō manages to create an artwork with a dual nature: while incorporating artistic additions to the stone, it also emphasizes the beauty of the original stone form. This mirrors his background as a contemporary artist inspired by traditional methods from his ancestors.
Itō’s stones with hyper-realistic teeth are some of his most popular works. His personal favorite works are the ones that tell a story. Itō has said that “a smile on the beholder’s face is the main motivation for [his] work.” He certainly achieves his goal, as almost a quarter of a million people follow his Instagram account (@itohirotoshi), and Itō’s oddly charming works of art have been featured in exhibits worldwide, from the SOFA art fair in 2006 and 2008, to the 2013 Tokyo art fair, to the 2016 sommerudstillingen in Denmark. His unique and intricate works both instill a sense of joy in the viewer and tell an elaborate story of honoring one’s tradition and heritage.
Three examples of Hirotoshi Itō’s art, courtesy of Hirotoshi Itō