Samurai
Wisconsin red granite
Polished mask, helmet, armor
30 inches tall
The clients had bought and renovated a city home and decided to create an understated Japanese garden in muted colors of grey river rock, bluestone pavers and beige bamboo. However, they wanted a stroke of intense color at the center to give some warmth. We presented two concepts to address the Japanese style and the desire for color: a samurai in colored granite or a pink marble conch shell. The samurai was the more daring option and was their choice. After consulting with us they chose red granite on the strength of its durability and color. The next step was to research samurai armor for details and accuracy, and then a rough clay model was made. Upon approval from the client the sculpting of this very hard stone began.
