May 28, 2019
Tsuchime Sakura Tree Sculpture
At Kikukawa, we meet various metal architectural construction needs, from small sculptures, monuments, large panels, to facades. While our expertise lies in designing details and fabrication of bespoke metal constructions, we also offer a unique line of textures and finishes.
Various Tsuchime finished samples that line a wall of Kikukawa’s Shiroi factory
The following Tsuchime-finished (hammertone) Sakura Tree sculpture is one example. By combining the hand-crafted finish and our design, fabrication, and installation technology, as well as our QC knowhow, Kikukawa implemented a unique design for an interior construction project.
A mockup of the copper Tsuchime (hammertone) finished sculpture
The Tsuchime finished (hammertone) copper sculpture is 4000mm in diameter, 17000mm in height, decorated with 2100 pieces of small copper cherry blossoms. The design is inspired by the Japanese cherry blossom trees that transform a riverside walkway to a promenade of white and pink in spring.
The typical specifications of the Tsuchime (hammertone) panels for this project are 0.6mm thick copper sheets, 2000mm (L) and 1000mm (W), hammered then waxed to achieve a red-tinted polished finish.
A closeup of the variously sized Tsuchime finish sample
Two bespoke Tsuchime (hammertone) finishes were developed and used for this project, the variation stemming from the differences in the Tsuchime diameters, 50mm and 15mm. Interestingly, the diameters of the newly developed Tsuchime tools are, in fact, 80mm and 30mm respectively.
Tsuchime (hammertone) is unique in its ability to accommodate various designs; the shapes, sizes and even the depth of each pattern provide variation. These textures are controlled by the tool, its shapes, as well as the craftsman’s workspace and his strength – thus their capability and quality control know-how translate to the quality of the finished patterns.
Based on our involvement in various Tsuchime projects, Kikukawa has developed its own expertise to control the Tsuchime texture. With this, Kikukawa was able to respond to this project’s requirements – of hand-crafted physique, one of beauty, warmth, and imperfection.
The 2100 pieces of cherry blossoms consist of 21 designs, varying in design and sizes.
A mockup of the sakura flower piece
A mockup of the sakura flower petal
The details of the flower shaped pieces, and the panels were designed with considerations to the installation on-site. Given the butt-joint details, the precision of the installation was key in actualising the design. Kikukawa communicated the specifications and installation methodology with drawings to ensure a smooth installation process.
A mockup of the R curved Tsuchime panel in transportation
As explained, Kikukawa provides various Tsuchime finished products from small monuments to large facades. These patterns can be viewed from our finish sample books or by inquiry.
For more information on Tsuchime (hammered) finish, click here