More about Mitsuro Hikime

Mitsuro Hikime is a traditional Japanese lost wax casting method.  It is made with a special type of wax that can be pulled like taffy and which creates the unique striations in the finished piece.  It is supposed to evoke natural forms like bamboo leaf or running water.  Each time I create a mitsuro hikime design, I am reminded that no two pieces will ever be the same.  The wax can be coaxed and teased into the design I have in mind, but ultimately it guides my hands and not the other way around.