Tajiri metal sculptures

During the restoration of three early metal sculptures by Shinkichi Tajiri (1923 - 2009) an interesting discovery was made. The three sculptures date from a period when Tajiri welded his constructions from found metal objects, iron tools and lots of iron rods. These sculptures were usually heated and received a finish of lubricating oil, whereby the iron turned black and was prevented from rusting. One of the three sculptures appears to be almost completely painted black over a layer of orange red lead. Some protruding points have then been painted red or white. This discovery has yielded new insights about this period in the oeuvre of Tajiri. The conservation intervention was tailored to each individual work according to the specific technique used by Tajiri. www.shinkichi-tajiri.com