Seki Masao(e)

The adorable wire works by Seki Masao

Shigatsu no Sakana antique shop

一家橘瓦頂的小白屋,沒有精緻粉飾卻保留著雅緻氣息的平房,門外有兩棵比屋頂高一點的大樹,這種簡樸的在地風景,一不小心就會錯過吧。然而當陽光漫進,拉長了屋內物件的影子,隨著光照角度的轉移也賦予了物件不同的表情,這種時候應該就是小白屋最顯光芒的時刻了。這是出生於福岡縣久留米的関昌生與太太,二人在吉井町開的古道具店「四月の魚」,也是他們的家。

吉井町位於福岡縣浮羽市,從車站「筑後吉井站」步行十幾分鐘,會看見從江戶時代保存下來的土藏式建築群(白色外牆的倉庫式屋子),是重要傳統建築物保護區,是個非常適合散步的小鎮,喜歡探尋在地風景的旅人會愛上這個地方。

「四月の魚」前身是一家牙科診所,於昭和30年建成。店裡除了擺放著蒐尋回來的古道具、藝術家的作品、也有太太的手作羊毛氈小物、用孩子兒時的塗鴉再創作的雜貨、還有関先生的鋼絲作品。以街景、毛蟲、鴨子等日常光景為題的作品,看見一種難能可貴的純真可愛。関先生曾說:「創作一開始對於作品沒有特別的框架限制,而是邊做邊調整。如此一來才會有有趣的新發現。在這樣的狀態下做出的作品特別有悠閒與童心的味道。」

古物店之所以難得,大概因其沒有固定形式的美,在「四月の魚」裡,便各有它們安身的位置,猶如這小鎮的不急不忙,以靜的姿態,溫柔地抱著光芒。

Seki Masao(d)

This is a roadside picture that any passerby would easily miss out — a little white bungalow with orange roof tiles that stands behind two trees that are just slightly taller than the roof. Without any fancy decorations, the bungalow exudes a rustic yet elegant charm. As the sunlight slowly fills the house, it extends the shadows of the various objects indoors and gives them all an entirely new look. This is probably the magic moment when the little white bungalow would shine and glow. To Seki Masao, who was born in Kurume city in Fukuoka Prefecture, this bungalow is not only the residence of him and his wife, but also the home to their Yoshii-based antique prop shop, which they name Shigatsu no Sakana (the April fishes).

Yoshii is a town in Ukiha District, Fukuoka Prefecture. Taking a stroll for around 10 minutes from the Chikugo-Yoshii Station, you will reach a cluster of white-walled warehouses that were built during the Edo period. These buildings are classified as Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. The area is perfect for a walk and must appeal to travelers who are on the hunt for scenic spots.

The shop of Shigatsu no Sakana was formerly a dental clinic built in the year of Showa 30 (1955). The shop does not simply offer a great collection of old props and artistic works; Mrs. Masao makes wool handicrafts and other items reproduced from children scribbles, while Mr. Masao’s own wire works that are themed around daily objects such as caterpillar, duck or even street views. His creations portray a rare kind of pure beauty. Masao once said, “I rarely set a framework at the start of my creative process. I prefer to finetune on the go. This way opens up interesting discoveries and allows me to create works filled with leisure and childlike innocence.”

The beauty of antique shop lies in its lack of restraints and forms. Here in Shigatsu no Sakana, every object has its own place. The same goes for this quaint and tranquil little town, which quietly glows in a heartwarming light.

Seki Masao(a)

Image courtesy of Chikugo Tourist Information Center; toki no kumo

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