Tool No.3 Drier - Salt Line Tool No.3 乾燥器 – Salt Line

Saburo Muraoka has been regarded as one of the pioneers in iron sculpture in Japan. But he has not depended solely on the material characteristics of iron for his artistic expression. This is　apparent in this "Tool No.3 Drier－Salt Line" too, which is constructed of a desk made of iron plates sandwiching burnt clay, a line drawn in salt upon its face, and a propane gas cylinder connected to the desk with a rubber hose. Though the material is simple, it looks a complex and abstruse work. When we are told that the artist's interest is in phenomena that cannot be presented in material form, such as heat and sound, we accept its unintelligibility. And then, after looking at it for a while, we come to recognize what each element stands for: Propane gas is the symbol for heat; heat melts the iron; burnt clay makes the mold; and salt makes the iron rust. Into this work, Muraoka incorporates many phenomena that involve iron. Since the ancient times, and both in the East and in the West, iron swords and mirrors have been believed to possess mysterious powers. The hardness, durability, and shiny surface of iron, and the enormous heat needed in refining it, made it a awe-inspiring material. Continuing that tradition, Muraoka expresses his admiration for iron in his very original works.