BAKU ASLEEP

I last made a carving similar to this in 1994; that one, made in a period of relative calm, depicted a fierce baku surrounded by grotesque phantasms. Now, in times when it seems impossible for the West to get anything right, as far as the rest of the world is concerned, the idea of a fierce baku is somehow inappropriate.

I therefore decided to carve as gentle a baku as possible, this young one fast asleep on a bed of pleasant dreams which he seems to be exhaling, as a kind of talisman against the dread things happening today.

Measuring nearly 2" (5cm) long, he is made from stained boxwood, the signature engraved at the back.