2015, Edition of 8
Mix Media Resin Fiberglass Painted and Varnished & Stainless Steel Polished
19 7/10 × 19 7/10 × 19 7/10 in – 50 × 50 × 50 cm
The artwork is signed by the Artist , carved with edition number and date under the piece
serie “The Onmyodo Odyssey : Chronicles of Samuraicat’s Dualities”
In the city’s vibrant streets , where the echoes of ancient samurai tales still reverberate, an enigmatic legend emerged—one that spoke of the mystical sculpture known as “Onmyodo,” masterfully crafted by the visionary artist Hiro Ando.
The legend began with whispers of a samuraicat, a mystical feline guardian who embodied the spirit of the samurai. This legendary creature was said to possess two distinct faces, each representing a different facet of its formidable essence. Born from the melding of artistry and onmyodo, the sculpture captured the essence of duality, a concept deeply ingrained in the philosophy of ancient Japan.
The first face, adorned with an expression of serene joy, depicted the samuraicat in a state of blissful tranquility. Legend had it that in this visage, the cat embodied the harmonious balance of the universe—a symbol of the samurai’s quest for inner peace amidst the chaos of the world. It was said that those who gazed upon this side of the sculpture would be blessed with a sense of calm and balance in their own lives.
On the flip side, the second countenance portrayed the samuraicat in a state of controlled fury and intensity. The fierce gaze and subtly clenched jaw spoke of the warrior’s readiness for battle—a representation of the indomitable spirit and courage that defined the samurai code. It was believed that those who encountered this side of the sculpture would be infused with the warrior’s strength, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Some whispered that the sculpture held the key to unlocking the secrets of onmyodo, granting those who truly understood its message the ability to navigate the complexities of life with grace and strength. Others believed that the spirits of ancient samurai, impressed by Ando’s artistry, had imbued the sculpture with their own essence, creating a conduit between the past and the present.
And so, the legend of Onmyodo endured—a testament to the transcendent power of art to capture the spirit of a culture, to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding. In the heart of Tokyo, the samuraicat’s dual faces continued to watch over the city, offering solace, inspiration, and a timeless connection to the legacy of the samurai.
