Japanese designer Yukihiro Kaneuchi has developed a new edition of 'Sand' vase, based on the idea of the game Bou-Taoshi.

Bou-Taoshi is a game with simple rules. Players make a heap of sand and place a branch in the centre, then each player takes turns removing sand; the one who causes the branch to fall loses.

According to Kaneuchi, this activity is a common sight in Japanese temples, where the conical shape represents where God first came in the mythological age.

"The sand heap is also considered to be an object representative of a divine spirit. The shape is also used in a ceremony for laying cornerstones, a process through which the building site is purified, though here, the sand is removed using a hoe." the designer adds.

It is thought the children's game Bou-Taoshi originated through observing these experiences, and translated them to their playgrounds – to the sandbox and the beach.

"In its current form, children are not aware of this heritage, and in a sense are unconsciously creating an object representing a divine spirit and completing the ceremony for purifying building sites."

Kaneuchi's series of 'Sand' objects, made of beach sand, resin, glass and cork draws from this activity;  providing a primitive, yet poetic form to hold a flower.  

Religious practice and children's game combine in the concept and physicality of a sculpture/object. 

We think this is beautiful, thoughtful work.