ARAKI TOMEI

( 1817–1870 )

Araki Tomei [荒木東明] was born in Kyoto during the fourth year of Bunka (1817). He was a gold carving student of Goto Tojo [後藤東乗] and took the name Tomei. He later studied under Goto Ichijo [後藤一乗] and took the pseudonym Issai. He studied design with Hayashi Ranga [林蘭雅] and it is said that he got the idea for his specialization in producing heads of millet from his studies with Ranga. The appearance of these heads of millet was received with great acclaim at that time and which continues to this day.
Tomei's characteristic use of the chisel and the originality of his carving techniques resulted in these heads of millet, which have seven rounded and pointed-shaped grains that appear to have just snapped open. The millet seeds are linked together and have a sharp shape that, if touched, would probably hurt. Tomei is so unrivaled in this technique that no one else has been able to duplicate it. Such was the secret technique of this famed artisan that the feeling produced by these heads of millet makes the products of his teacher, Ichijo who is also known as a famed artisan, pale in comparison.
 

His works have become the object of worship for both old and new connoisseurs. Works by Tomei, when available and authenticated, command astronomical prices.