Three Circles = Clouds + Air
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Three Aligned Triangles = Mountains
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Two Triangles and Tail = Trees and Fire
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The photos below show the tea sculpture pieces in their carrying pouch that is used to hold the pieces in between tea sittings, and which is used to carry the tea sculpture throughout the day, creating a sculpture and artwork that travels with and lives with the owner, building a deep and lasting relationship between them.
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Each piece in a tea sculpture is uniquely handcrafted in a multi-stage process, consisting of creating an original piece from wax or wood, creating a multi-part mold, powering the pewter (or other material), then days or weeks of careful finishing of the surface textures and finishes. The entire process is performed by the artist himself.
Each and every piece is intended to have imperfections and differences that enhance their meditative serenity, and make each one unique from every other one. This is in keeping with the celebrated Japanese aesthetic and philosophy of "Wabi-Sabi" ... finding enhanced beauty in imperfections in ceramic vessels, wood and gardens, a concept treasured in tea ceremonies over the ages.
The creative process and the imperfections create a unique visual and tactile experience for each tea sculpture.
Each and every piece is intended to have imperfections and differences that enhance their meditative serenity, and make each one unique from every other one. This is in keeping with the celebrated Japanese aesthetic and philosophy of "Wabi-Sabi" ... finding enhanced beauty in imperfections in ceramic vessels, wood and gardens, a concept treasured in tea ceremonies over the ages.
The creative process and the imperfections create a unique visual and tactile experience for each tea sculpture.
Each tea sculpture set comes with a unique medallion that certifies authenticity, as well as a written certificate of authenticity. The medallion is made from a fallen branch from a Cedar tree from a private grove located in a sheltered space among granite ledges just a few hundred feet from the Atlantic ocean. This medallion has a unique fire of the artist's signature. Neither the specific firing of the signature nor the medallion itself are replicable because the firing is made by the artist and the medallion's tree rings are unique to that tree and branch.
Please read the artist's statement to learn more about the philosophy behind his tea sculptures.
All images are copyrights of the artist, Timothy B Higginson. All sculptures are by the artist. Any use of the images must be accompanied by an attribution to the artist by his name and a link to this website.