Morning

Hasegawa Ko, a wood sculptor originally from Kamogawa City, Chiba, is celebrated for creating the original model for the monumental Tokyo Wan Kannon statue located in Futtsu City. In addition to the Tokyo Wan Kannon, Hasegawa has produced a wide array of Buddhist statues and portrayals of children. This sculpture vividly captures a slice of life, depicting a mother and child during their morning routine. Hasegawa is known for sculpting from single blocks of camphor wood using a broad blade. The linear indentations made by the blade impart a distinctive texture and warmth to his sculptures, further heightening their appeal. Hasegawa became a member of the Nihon Mokuchokai (Japan Wood Sculpture Association) and studied under sculptors Sasaki Taiju and Naito Shin. He often showed work in exhibitions including the Bunten (exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Education) and the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). In 1962, his sculpture Sacred Pond received the highest award at the First International Exhibition of Fine Arts of Saigon. (U.M.)