Miwa Komatsu

White and Black Guiding Yamainu-sama

€8,000

Limited edition

Edition of 15

Hand-finished

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Miwa Komatsu enshrines her lifelong spirit guides with a pair of hand-painted sculptures.

Yamainu are divine beings, found in various forms throughout Japanese folklore. Miwa has cherished their guidance throughout her life. The creatures appear – wide eyed and cosmic – in many of her paintings.

An edition in two parts – one white, one black – explores harmony and contrast. Details on the surface of each sculpture are painted by the artist in her studio, making every pair unique. They include vines, wolf hair, cherubim wings and the traditional Japanese kanoko motif.

Miwa Komatsu painting a bronze sculpture

In Japanese folklore, two wolves – one black, one white – guided Prince Yamato Takeru as he embarked on a series of trials. According to legend, Buddhist monk Kukai was guided by a pair of Yamainu – one black, one white – to Mount Koya, where he built his temple. The site is now a focal point for Shingon Buddhism. Both tales inspired Miwa’ to create the edition.

Yamainu-sama look back again and again, showing me the way, but only my footprints remain in the snow.

Miwa Komatsu

The black Yamainu represents ‘A’ – the beginning of the Japanese alphabet. Its white counterpart represents ‘Un’ – the end. These contrasting sounds are evoked by their open and closed mouths, respectively. 'A-un' (阿吽) is a phonetic transcription of a Sanskrit word meaning 'the beginning and end of all things.'

The Yamainu watch calmly over humanity, seeking to eliminate evil in the world.

Miwa Komatsu

5 collaborations

Miwa Komatsu has one main objective in her practice – to translate spirituality into works of art. Working across different media, she explores Japanese folklore, Buddhism and other mythologies. She grew up in Nagano, the city with the highest mountains in Japan. This gave her "a deep sense of connection with the outside world, far beyond physical borders.” Her process often begins with prayer and meditation. This is a crucial part of connecting with the immaterial world she strives to channel. While Komatsu is best known for her paintings, she’s also made etchings, porcelain sculptures and virtual reality experiences. At exhibitions and events, she often paints live – showing how performative the painting process can be.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

Overall very good communication the work itself is great quality!
Review of Portrait and Head
everything in the communication has been pretty clear and fluid, the tracking before delivery was detailled and fast, the packaging was enought secured and the final artwork is incredible !
Review of B BOY JUSHI
very professional service and great Comms throughout the process
Review of HOPE (251-375)
Fantastic packaging and very good service so Happy.
Review of Out of the Dark
Extremely happy with the artwork but also the online insight to the production and interview with the artist. The shipping and packaging are very considered and I look forward to seeing ( & buying ) other pieces
Review of Guardian
very impressive package: gloves, certificate etc.
Review of Actual Size
Great experience. I appreciate the great care with which the piece was packaged and shipped as well.
Review of Actual Size
incredible super premium packaging! the unboxing experience was wow! the piece is gorgeous, looking forward to hang it
Review of Guardian

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