KOIBITO

A beautiful geisha sits alone, waiting by the water garden for her lover, her only company being the school of koi fish swimming below. Will her lover arrive, or is she destined to remain alone forever? ‘Koibito’ is the Japanese word for “lover” or “the person you love.” Is the love she seeks that of another, or will she fill that void with the love she finds within herself? As she admires the tranquil atmosphere around her, a hint of loneliness lingers. Yet the bright colours surrounding her paint the opposite emotion. The pond shimmers with an iridescent ocean-blue sheen, acting as a physical embodiment of the peace we find within. It is the picture-perfect essence of calm stillness. The melancholy ambience is overturned by the vibrancy of life breathed into this sculptural painting.

This signature piece of artwork required expert craftsmanship and thorough precision. The bright blue backdrop captures the eye with its vibrancy, drawing the viewer into a layered scene of stillness and life. On the outermost dial, the geisha sits gracefully in a pale white dress, leaning toward the water’s edge as she feeds the koi. Her presence sets the serene tone, inviting the gaze inward. While on the second dial, white and red Kohaku koi swirl in gentle motion, their patterns bringing warmth and rhythm to the composition. They encircle the centre, guiding the eye toward its heart. At the centremost dial, a single golden koi takes its place in quiet prominence. It glimmers against the surrounding blues, symbolizing patience, luck, and the reward that comes from enduring stillness.