Be kind and live modestly,
And to make it. With your own hands.
Like St. Francis.

Creating while living, living while creating. Saint Francis (Francesco d'Assisi / 1182-1226).middle agesBorn in Assisi, ItalyTaIn his later years, Francis wrote in his Testament, "I have worked with my own hands." He valued work he had made with his own hands above all else, and was known for the works of the Church of San Damiano (Convent of San Damiano) and devoted his life to restoring churches.

Franco Zeffirelli's film "Brother Son" In the film "Sister Moon," Francis is shown barefoot and wearing simple clothing, stacking stones. What was impressive in the film was the way he spoke to and interacted with birds and flowers. The story of him preaching to these birds is well known, and the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi features a mural of this scene, "Saint Francis Preaching to the Birds," painted by Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337). Despite living in strict poverty,Love nature and your neighbors,He was a man who wanted to live the life described in the Gospels.

Rivotorto is where Francis is said to have lived his early monastic life. We decided to start Rivotorto Pieces in the name of this place.

Making things with my hands is the only thing I have continued to do since I was a child. I have never exhibited my work anywhere or shown it to anyone, but I have continued to do it as a pursuit of life.

This work was inspired by Francesco and was made using natural earthen paints that he had previously painted. Although more time has passed since the work was created, it may be that this has resulted in a work that is woven with time and feelings.

We are not Christians, nor do we believe in any particular religion, but we want to live and create with compassion and modesty, just like St. Francis. We pray for peace in our daily work with our hands.


Text by Rivotorto Pieces


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<References>
◇ Masaru Kawashita『People and Thoughts 184 Francis of Assisi” (Shimizu Shoin)
◇ Asakura Bunichi"Monasteries: Asceticism and Contemplation in the Middle Ages" (Kodansha Gendai Shinsho)
◇ Shiono Nanami『What was the Renaissance?” (Shinchosha)


[Notes]
・When storing, avoid high temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight.
・Since this product is made of natural materials, the texture and appearance may change depending on the environment in which it is placed. Please enjoy the changes over time.

[About the product]
-A handmade booklet explaining the work by the artist is included.
・The works will be delivered in a paper box where they can be stored together.
・We also have recommended framing options selected by the artist.
If you wish,info@fragile-books.comPlease contact us and we will provide you with separate information.

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Fragile Exhibition

Passage of Paper Textile
Fragments of Paper
2023.4.1 - 2023.4.30
→View the exhibition archive

Rivotorto Pieces will hold their first solo exhibition, "Passage of Paper Textile". The works are named after the two artists' ancestors whom they have admired since childhood. They feature people from all over the world, past and present, such as saints, picture book authors, and architects. Saint Francis of Assisi, Atsuko Suga, Leo Lionni and Tokujiro Kojima, Bernard of Chartres, Tintoretto, Dante, Giotto, Seiichi Shirai, Sotatsu Tawaraya, William Morris, Édouard Vuillard, Pierre Bonnard, Montaner, Michelangelo, Hermes, Diotima, Barbara Sansoni, Hergé, Hiroshi Yoshino, Rousseau, Frederick II, Simone Weil, Aldo Manuzio, Picasso, and the man from the Masdazil Cave. The messages that accompany each work, detailing encounters with each person, are also quite interesting.