The Philippine Embassy Features “Heart of Rizal” Sculpture in its Commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Birthday
The “Heart of Rizal”, a sculpture made by renowned Japanese artist Haruhiko KANEKO and inspired by the works of Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was featured in the Philippine Embassy’s commemoration of Dr. Rizal’s 162nd birth anniversary on 19 June 2023.
Following a flag ceremony led by Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, the Ambassador invited Mr. Kaneko and his wife to speak about his prized sculpture.
Mr. Kaneko is among the few potters who are masters of the “yuteki tenmoku technique.” The technique produces bowls with black glaze.
Mr. Kaneko learned the pottery techniques from the Ishigaki island. There, he also founded his studio, Ishigaki-Yaki, in 1999. He has had exhibits in various countries, including France, the UK, and in the Philippines at the Pinto Art Museum in 2022, among others.
During his exhibit in the Philippines, Mr. Kaneko featured a piece called the “Heart of Rizal.” He shared that as an artist who is trying to create a name in the Japanese traditional world of pottery while living in Ishigaki, excerpts from Jose Rizal’s novels such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, as well as his last farewell, Mi Ultimo Adios, have been a source of great inspiration.
Mr. Kaneko also went to the Philippines to collect volcanic ash from Mr. Pinatubo to be used in making a Tenmoku bowl. He hoped that his creation made from the ash will be able to contribute to the healing and providing a moment of peace to those who were affected by the Mt. Pinatubo explosion especially if they will have a chance to see the bowl in places like a museum. In this regard, he also took the opportunity last Monday to donate his artwork, “Pinatubo Yuteki Tenmoku Tea Bowl” to the Philippine Embassy.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano thanked Mr. Kaneko for sharing his story on how Dr. Jose Rizal inspired him to create his artwork “Heart of Rizal” and for sharing and donating to the Philippine Embassy his artwork, “Pinatubo Yuteki Tenmoku Tea Bowl.”
The “Heart of Rizal” sculpture was displayed near Dr. Rizal’s bust at the Philippine Embassy lobby during the morning’s ceremonies.
