Hatching Gecko
Susan Wraight
Details
- Artist
- Susan Wraight
- Title
- Hatching Gecko
- Year
- 1993
- Medium
- holly, partially stained, eyes of amber inlaid over gold leaf
- Size
- 4.3 x 5.5 x 2.8 cm
- Details
signed with intitals on an inset tablet of 18ct gold
Provenance
the artist
Makers Mark, Melbourne, 1993
private collection, Melbourne
by descent
Further Information
Inspired by the Japanese tradition of netsuke, originally a decorative and functional object used to secure a cord holding a pouch around a pocketless kimono style of dress of the Edo or Tokugawa period, 1615 – 1868, Wraight is internationally recognised for her exquisite artworks.
Traditionally Japanese and male dominated, Susan Wraight pushes the boundary towards the sculptural potential of a practical object.
Whilst mindful and respectful of the history of netsuke, which were usually made of ivory and draw on Japanese myths and creatures, Wraight uses wood as her primary medium and draws on other inspirations for her imagery, including Australian fauna and Western literature. Narrative is a central element of her work, with much meaning and symbolism found in such small objects.
It takes great discipline and skill to fit so much rich detail in such a small scale. Wraight’s training as a jeweller and silversmith at the Royal College of Art, London in 1980 provides an understanding for this and for the refinement of her netsukes, with sophisticated carvings and beautiful finish. Her use of additional elements such as gold leaf, inlaid amber and moonstones only add to the precious nature of these objects. Such materials highlight Wraight’s aptitude in creating an extra eye-catching feature, such as a glinting eye.