Acanthus VII (2023)

Shinta Nakajima, a metalsmith, is concerned with the materiality of metal in relation to transient nature. Primarily producing vessels, the act of hammering presents a meditative repetition, generating a dialogue between him and the working material. Nakajima constantly hammers at three times per second, maintaining a steady, metallic pulse to create convex and concave undulations within the material. Through his ritualistic, fluid approach to metal, he seeks to integrate the stability and harshness of the medium with the ephemeral beauty of plants, focusing on how seeds and fruits function as vessels of life.

Acanthus VII (2023) is a vessel commemorating the acanthus pattern that originates from Ancient Greek design. Inspired by the acanthus leaf, the pattern symbolised vitality in the realm of traditional silversmithing decorations, often incorporated in Ancient Greek temple ornaments. Over time, however, it has been overlooked and relegated to only partial adornment, deviating from its original essence. Nakajima aims to revive the vitalities of Acanthus once more, anchoring it within vessels as a repository that harnesses the spiritual function of the life-sustaining structure. Aligned with the dense foliage of the acanthus leaf, Nakajima’s vessel employs a dynamic form where the front and back markedly interchange. By obscuring the demarcation between the inside and outside, the vessel is designed to incorporate external space, preserving the acanthus pattern’s beauty and historical function.

Sheffield Museums Trust houses the city’s designated metalwork collection of over 13,000 objects across 600 years of metalwork history. In the last 20 years, the Trust has collected work by local, regional, and nationally renowned designer markers, ensuring the collection is representative of the city today. The Trust has supported Nakajima and his practice over the last few years and is keen to acquire a part of his new Acanthus series. The addition of Nakajima’s work presents an interesting take on design at present and is something Sheffield Museums Trust wants to reflect in the city’s collection.

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