Brittle and easily broken
Knit white cubes with corners.
What is the beauty of tofu?

A short essay titled "Tofu" in the book "Muso" teaches us how to see the universe in our everyday lives.Seiichi Shirai (1905-1983).You think it's a familiar theme, but before you know it, you'll find yourself thrown right into the middle of Shirai's philosophy. You'll be asked whether there is beauty in tofu, even though you've never really looked closely at it in the first place.

Indeed, we are overwhelmed by the power of thought of Shirai Seichi, who soars magnificently from the familiar Japanese dining table into space. But it doesn't end there. In the end, the story returns to the bowl. In a single piece of tofu cut with chopsticks, we discover the scale of unadulterated life. Here we see the gaze of Shirai Seichi, a philosopher architect who took a lifelong critical stance against modern architecture. It somehow brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

Using handmade Japanese paper, a craftsman tore and woven a cube of paper into shape. The process may be somewhat similar to that of making tofu. It looks like tofu, but it's not, and it's a shape that floats a little out of the ordinary and into space.


Text by Rivotorto Pieces


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<References>
◇ Seiichi Shirai, "Windowless" (Shobunsha)
◇ Seiichi Shirai, "Seiichi Shirai: Spirit and Space" (Seigensha)


[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.
・Your artwork will be delivered in a paper carton that can be used to store it.
-The set includes a handmade paper magnetic frame by the artist.
-We also offer recommended frames selected by the artist.
If you wish,info@fragile-books.com Please 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.