Limited Edition
30 x 30"

Koto was part of the KI Collection from Christian Hook. This piece was inspired by the artist’s travels east, where he encountered one of Japan’s oldest traditions and art forms: the tea ceremony. As in many of Hook’s works, it is deeply rooted in tradition but feels fresh and contemporary. “During my months of travelling in the East, I learned about the ancient Japanese concept of Ki from a master of calligraphy. He taught me how to pass my energy onto paper. This could be measured by using metal prongs connected to specialist equipment that could read the increases of energy levels in the body after 15-minute breathing sessions. It could also measure how much of the energy was passed onto the ink. Japanese calligraphy ink (sumi ink) has electromagnetic particles which allow this process to take place. After months of practice Christian created a series of works based on this practice. Ki can be defined as many things – spirituality, creative flow, inspiration, or more poetically, ‘the ether of intention’ – and channeling your Ki brings a fluidity and energy to your actions. The famous Japanese tea ceremony is an example of how a series of actions brings life to something inanimate through this channeling of Ki; the intention and energy flow from the hosts into every element of the tranquil ceremony, sparking it into life. “In these works from the East, I have attempted to interpret this authentic experience while channeling my own Ki into each and every brushstroke.”