57 English Explanation

This work was born from observing the bonfires I routinely hold in my home garden, except during the hottest summer months. While gazing at the flickering, ever-changing flames, I always wanted to turn them into a piece of art. Yet, no matter how much I honed my technique or accumulated experience, I lacked the confidence to create it. It took a decade before I could finally realize this work.

The base is a round box made of layered plywood. A flame is carved into the center of the lid, filled with colored lacquer and gold powder, then polished. Black lacquer is used for the flame's central outline to express its flickering motion. Additionally, the sides feature lines painted in three colors—red, yellow, and white—using a technique called “reverse carving,” abstractly stylizing the flame.