The two pieces that I have chosen are sculptures made by Japanese artist, Kaikei and American artist, Bessie Potter Vonnoh. Girl Dancing is a representational, three-dimensional sculpture of a female figure dancing. The media used is bronze. My other sculpture is the Jizō Bosatsu by Kaikei. It is another representational, three-dimensional sculpture that shows the bodhisattva who relieved people’s suffering while they were in Hell. The media he used is also bronze. A cast bronze sculpture--or a “bronze” for short--can be used for sculptures and small statuettes. Bronze alloys have the desirable property of expanding before they set which help0s to fill the details of a mold. When it cools, it shrinks making it easier to remove the mold. The lack of brittleness is an advantage for making things such as the Girl Dancing because …show more content…
Bessie Vonnoh’s sculpture of the girl dancing explores the rhythm of movement and the play of the girl’s dress. Girl Dancing shows a young woman, most likely a very fashionable one, in a high wasted gown stepping forward in a sort of bowing stance. The dancer could be part of a dance troupe or doing a popular dance of that time. Kaikei’s sculpture represents a Buddhist monk. He doesn’t wear fancy jewels or a crown that most people would be used to seeing by bodhisattvas. Jizo is a deity in Buddhism and has many roles such as a protector of children, people traveling, and women who are giving birth. Another thing he is well known for is reliving the suffering of those placed in Hell. Here, he is shown as a monk with a compassionate expression and ready to hear those suffering. In his hand is a traveler’s staff. The six rings represent his mercy through each realm and its clinking sound. The clinking sound symbolizes his presence Jizo’s warm expression invites faith that in hopes would lead to salvation. His robe flows freely and is crafted with fine gold leaf designs. It shows how elegant he