Upcycled Buddhist artifacts turn into plant pots at #SilenceLAB exhibit

Traditional meets modern in an artful blend as #SilenceLAB presents its upcycled Buddhist artifacts in a unique exhibition. The show, titled “Hashimoto Takunao Exhibit—When a Buddhist Artifact Shop Gets Into Plant Life,” will run from September 14 to September 20, and features ornate plant pots repurposed from vintage incense burners.

Founded by Hashimoto Kiyoshi Co., Ltd., a third-generation Buddhist artifact shop, #SilenceLAB aims to breathe new life into old Takaoka copperware incense burners. The copperware has historical roots dating back to the Edo period and is a significant cultural craft in Takaoka City.

The exhibit showcases “Wabi-Sabi Pots®,” a collection of plant pots made by upcycling these incense burners. Each pot is uniquely modified with drainage holes to accommodate plants, offering an alternative to melting the artifacts for raw material.

Hashimoto Takunao, the current representative of Hashimoto Kiyoshi and an Agave creator, will also display his own succulent arrangements during the event. The featured incense burners-turned-plant pots were produced between 1950 and 1990, and artisans have expressed a keen interest in preserving their beauty while giving them a new function.

The materials used in the Wabi-Sabi Pots include brass and copper, with some pieces featuring a lacquer coating. The designs encourage onlookers to appreciate both the slow changes in the plants and the age of the pots themselves.

The exhibition has broader implications beyond art and aesthetics; it serves as a sustainable practice. Upcycling these artifacts not only minimizes waste but also helps in the preservation of traditional crafts and techniques.

Five new Wabi-Sabi Pots and various succulents will be on sale during the exhibition. The organizers have noted that some of the pieces are small enough to hold in one hand, and exclusive items will be available as well.

Originally published on Life Hugger.