About the artwork

The subject of this work was irori (i.e., an open hearth sunk in the floor), which can be seen as a symbol for people gathering together. A frame of unvarnished wood was set up over the black wooden floor surrounding the fireplace. The frame of unvarnished wood received light from the porch and casts a shadow on the floor. Its whitish color emitted a special pleasantness. Branches of camellia were stood up and the arrangement gave the impression that the camellia branches would creep out from the white wood.