いろ・しき
iroshiki

An installation that questions how we perceive the world, set in a realm where color has been lost.

Concept

Objects exist only when they are perceived.
Discussions surrounding the non-reality in quantum mechanics and the nature of existence that unfolded in modern philosophy share remarkable parallels with the Yogācāra school of Buddhist philosophy, which emerged in India in the 4th century.

Does the world truly exist,
or is it merely emptiness (śūnyatā)?

In this colorless world,
light occasionally pierces through, allowing glimpses of color.
If the world only comes into existence through perception,
then perhaps it is our very act of perception
that sustains the existence of the world.

About the Boshi

Boshi are traditional containers used in pottery production to protect vessels from falling ash during firing,
or to efficiently stack and fire multiple vessels of the same shape.
Generally known as “saya” or “koubachi,” they are referred to as “boshi” in the Hizen region.

The boshi used in this installation was borrowed from the Yoshida Saraya Hikariboshi event,
which illuminates the Hizen Yoshida ware production site in Yoshida, Ureshino Town, Saga Prefecture.

Once indispensable in an era where mass production of identical ceramics was the norm,
the boshi has become obsolete in today’s world of small-batch, diverse production.
As a result, its potential for new uses is now being explored.