Orizuru – Fossil of Prayers
by Ataro Matsuo
Orizuru, the delicate paper cranes, trace their origins to the soul of Nagasaki, a place where memories echo through time. Within their intricate folds lies a tale of resilience, encapsulated by the poignant story of Sadako Sasaki. She was a young girl who miraculously survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, only to later confront the ravages of leukemia, a silent consequence of radiation exposure. In her fragile hands, she clung to a timeless Japanese legend, one that promised fulfillment of a wish with the folding of a thousand paper cranes. Sadako's fervent desire was to recover from her illness, and with unwavering determination, she meticulously folded crane after crane during her hospital stay, continuing until her passing in 1955. Her story transcended time and became an enduring symbol of hope and peace in the face of unimaginable adversity. Today, in Nagasaki Peace Park, a statue of Sadako stands, a place of pilgrimage for people from around the world who come to pay their respects and fold cranes in her memory.
Orizuru, the delicate paper cranes, trace their origins to the soul of Nagasaki, a place where memories echo through time. Within their intricate folds lies a tale of resilience, encapsulated by the poignant story of Sadako Sasaki. She was a young girl who miraculously survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, only to later confront the ravages of leukemia, a silent consequence of radiation exposure. In her fragile hands, she clung to a timeless Japanese legend, one that promised fulfillment of a wish with the folding of a thousand paper cranes. Sadako's fervent desire was to recover from her illness, and with unwavering determination, she meticulously folded crane after crane during her hospital stay, continuing until her passing in 1955. Her story transcended time and became an enduring symbol of hope and peace in the face of unimaginable adversity. Today, in Nagasaki Peace Park, a statue of Sadako stands, a place of pilgrimage for people from around the world who come to pay their respects and fold cranes in her memory.
For Matsuo, the creation of Orizuru is not just a tribute to the memories of Sadako Sasaki but also a reflection of his own remarkable journey, one that began in the heart of Nagasaki and meandered through the storied landscapes of Kyoto and Karatsu, each place etching its unique imprint on his artistic practice.
Medium: Mixed Media, Thousand Paper Cranes, Pottery Clay and Lacquer on Panel
Dimension: 140 x 140 x 2.5 cm