Animals of Oaxaca VINTAGE OAXACAN WOOD CARVING

The state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico is known as a treasure trove of handicrafts that retain the strong influence of indigenous culture. The Oaxacan wood carvings introduced in this book are wooden carved animals that originated in the region in the mid-20th century and were originally made as souvenirs for tourists and as home decorations, a craft rooted in everyday life.

Rough carvings made with a machete, paws and tails fastened with nails, and a mix of vibrant and faded aniline dye colors - these simple and generous shapes were discovered by mid-century designer Alexander Girard and brought them worldwide attention.

This book focuses on early works from before the advent of fashion and sophistication, and includes approximately 130 pieces, including works from the collections of Shoji Hamada, Seiichi Horiuchi, Samiro Yunoki, Sori Yanagi, and Noriyuki Yamamoto. This book conveys the appeal of free and powerful colors and shapes that resonate with Japanese folk art.

[Title] Animals of Oaxaca VINTAGE OAXACAN WOOD CARVING
[Publisher] Daifuku Shorin
[Publication date] September 9, 2023 (1st edition)
[Number of pages] 160 pages
[Size] Approx. 156*216*18mm, 415g
[Format] Hardcover
[Title reading] Oahaka no Doubutachi
[Authors/Editors] Shinji Iwamoto/Author, Yukie Yasuhiko/Photographer
[Print] Tokyo Inshokan/Print
[ISBN] 978-4-908465-19-2
[Condition] Brand new
[Accessories] Obi
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Shinji Iwamoto (1980-)

Born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1980. In 2011, he encountered wood carvings from Oaxaca, Mexico, and was captivated by their generous appearance, beginning to collect them. In 2020, he self-published the zine "ANIMALS FROM OAXACA: Vintage Oaxacan Wood Carvings" and exhibited his collection in Tokyo. In 2023, a portion of his collection was exhibited at the "Folk Art Toys of Mexico and Latin America" exhibition held at the Japan Toy Museum.

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