Original Painting and Supervisor |
Metal Craft Artist, Professor Emeritus of Tokyo University of the Arts, Director-General of the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition MIYATA Ryohei MIYATA Ryohei |
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2020
H4.0m × W7.0m
3F waiting room, Sado Kisen Niigata Port Bandaijima terminal
Full view of the artwork
Close-up of the artwork (detail)
Close-up of the artwork (detail)
Close-up of the artwork (detail)
Close-up of the artwork (detail)
Production Notes
This mixed-media artwork of metal and ceramic relief was designed and artistically supervised by Ryōhei Miyata, a renowned metal artist from Sado Island.
The artwork is installed at the Sado Kisen Niigata Port Bandaijima Terminal, the gateway to the island and the departure point for the only ferry route connecting Sado with mainland Japan.
The metal dolphins were created by Miyata himself, while the ceramic relief background depicts the culture, history, and natural beauty of Sado in rich three-dimensional form. Featured motifs include Ondeko (the island’s traditional drum dance), the iconic tarai-bune tub boats popular with visitors, the historic Kitamaebune trading ships, the UNESCO-listed Sado Gold Mines, the Japanese crested ibis (Toki), and Sado’s magnificent landscapes.
Miyata has said that seeing dolphins while traveling by ferry from Sado to Niigata for his entrance examination to the Tokyo University of the Arts became the artistic inspiration that shaped his career. The dolphins portrayed in this artwork warmly welcome visitors to Sado while offering encouragement and hope to those departing. Like loyal guardians, they continue to swim alongside the island and the people whose lives are connected to it.
Planning ： Japan Traffic Culture Association
Sponsorship ： Japan Lottery Association
This project was developed with a grant from the lottery social contribution public relations project.
Artist Profile
MIYATA Ryohei
MIYATA Ryohei
Metal Craft Artist, Professor Emeritus of Tokyo University of the Arts, Director-General of the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition
Born as a wax pattern metal casting artist, the second generation Aido Miyata's third son. Participated in numerous art exhibitions both in Japan and abroad by such works as the "Springen" series with dolphins as motifs, and got Grand Prize, Minister of Education, Science and Culture Prize, and Prime Minister Prize at "Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition", and Special Prize at "The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition", etc. Won The Japan Art Academy Award in 2012. Served as President of Tokyo University of the Arts for many years, and also served as Chairman of Culture Council of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Management Committee of Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Director of The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition, Managing Director of Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association, Committee of Yokozuna Deliberation Council, etc. He also chairs the selection committee for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, emblems, medals, torches and more. From 2016 to 2021, he will steer the cultural administration of Japan as the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs. He also chaired the selection committee for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games emblems, medals, torches, etc. In 2022, he was appointed Director-General of the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition. He is currently a professor emeritus and advisor to Tokyo University of the Arts, a counselor to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and a visiting professor at Nagaoka Institute of Design.Location ： 3F waiting room, Sado Kisen Niigata Port Bandaijima terminal
Artist's Comments
The landscape of Sado, with its rugged natural beauty and rich culture forged by the synergy between people and surroundings, will forever enfold your thoughts along your journey.
Why don’t you come a little further to discover Sado’s charm, guided by a pod of dolphins gliding gracefully.