Kichizo INAGAKI, Rodin's Japanese plinth maker
Reading time: 5min
The art of plinth making, like all arts, is part of a history. Our work would not be what it is if there had not been certain artists who revolutionized the art of the plinth. Among them is Kichizo Inagaki.
This Japanese artist reinvented the art of plinth making by creating bases that completely merge with the work they support.
Kichizo Inagaki was born in Japan in 1876 in the city of Murakami; his father, a renowned craftsman at the imperial court, was skilled in lacquer work and floral arrangement.
This Japanese artist reinvented the art of plinth making by creating bases that completely merge with the work they support.
Kichizo Inagaki was born in Japan in 1876 in the city of Murakami; his father, a renowned craftsman at the imperial court, was skilled in lacquer work and floral arrangement.
Inagaki excelled in traditional Japanese arts. After a few years in Tokyo, then in Hong Kong, he moved to Paris in 1906.
At that time, Paris honored Japanese art with the Japonism movement. Indeed, since the mid-19th century, the Parisian capital was largely influenced by traditional Japanese arts, such as lacquer and calligraphy.
Conversely, Japanese artists were attracted to the arts and techniques of the West.
Our Japanese plinth maker was quickly noticed for his woodworking talents.
Kichizo Inagaki created plinths for archaeological or primitive antique pieces. These various works led him to meet artists such as Joseph Bummer, who quickly introduced him to Auguste Rodin.
Kichizo Inagaki built a solid reputation as a cabinetmaker and plinth maker. His work is characterized by a perfect mastery of woodworking. Furthermore, his work is recognizable by its very particular wood finishes, revealing a slight colored grain in white, black, red, green, or silver.
Kichizo Inagaki built a solid reputation as a cabinetmaker and plinth maker. His work is characterized by a perfect mastery of woodworking. Furthermore, his work is recognizable by its very particular wood finishes, revealing a slight colored grain in white, black, red, green, or silver.
Our plinth maker worked extensively with another compatriot, Seizo Sugawara. The latter, also a wood sculptor, began working with Irish interior designer Eileen Grey. Together, they created remarkable wooden furniture.
Seizo Sugawara continued to create his own pieces and called upon Inagaki when he needed a wooden plinth.
Together, they witnessed an artistic Paris in full effervescence.
So-called "Negro art" was at its peak, and both artists, especially Seiko, integrated this influence into his work.
Plinth maker's inspiration
Seiko Sugawara, (1884-1932), untitled, lacquered pine sculpture, circa 1919-1922, unsigned plinth by Kichizo Inagaki.
Kichizo Inagaki's art distinguished itself in woodworking, particularly in patinas.
Indeed, in addition to the plinth's shape, characterized by slightly flared angles, Inagaki's patinas reveal the wood grain. This effect aims to lighten the plinth as much as possible.
Contemporary custom plinth. All of Inagaki's hallmarks are respected: slightly flared angles and visible wood grain.
Bronze sculpture, Rodin, plinth by Kishizo Inagaki
Customize your custom-made plinth,
from material to paint.
Like these two Japanese artists, we offer to craft your custom plinths as a true work of art.
When we talk about custom-made plinths, it's not an empty promise.
Indeed, when you choose this option for creating a plinth for one of your artworks, you need to make several choices.
When we talk about custom-made plinths, it's not an empty promise.
Indeed, when you choose this option for creating a plinth for one of your artworks, you need to make several choices.
Firstly, the choice of material: steel, wood, brass for the plinth itself.
Secondly, the choice of attachment positions.
Thirdly, the final choice of patina.
The patina is the color of the plinth. Patina, varnish, epoxy paint. It's up to you.
It is in the choice of these three parts, in the part taken by the plinth maker, that their style emerges.
Some plinth makers prefer to work with brass, using curves and patinas, while others prefer steel and black paints.
In any case, when you choose a material and its patina in our workshops, we meticulously respect your wishes.
Discover our other custom plinths
Antique amphora with three plinth proposals: wood and steel.
It is not uncommon for us to offer several plinth choices to our clients. It is up to them to choose
afterward.
Other custom plinth proposals for a sculpture.
Proposal 1: Double wooden plinth for an antique sculpture.
Proposal 2: The same sculpture, but this time on a simple raw wooden plinth.
Proposal 3: Wooden plinth with angled corners and an inlay for the sculpture.
All these proposals were made for the Alexandre Piatti gallery, a gallery specializing in Early Period art.
Final choice of plinth for the antique sculpture.
How to choose your custom plinth like
Kichizo Inagaki?
The choice of material depends on the object to be displayed, its fragility, and the desired aesthetic: simple, airy, modern, or classic.
Each material possesses its own aesthetic properties.
Wood, for example, is truly rooted in the tradition of custom plinths for art objects. Originally, plinths were made of wood, then often covered with a dark varnish.
In our workshop, we strive to improve in creating new varnish colors to offer you an ever-expanding range.
Regarding colors, if you wish to paint your wooden plinth, nothing could be simpler. Classic paint, spray paint, all work perfectly. The use of wood gives a classic aesthetic if the plinth is covered with a patina, but if left natural with a simple clear varnish, it exudes a very modern design.
Each material possesses its own aesthetic properties.
Wood, for example, is truly rooted in the tradition of custom plinths for art objects. Originally, plinths were made of wood, then often covered with a dark varnish.
In our workshop, we strive to improve in creating new varnish colors to offer you an ever-expanding range.
Regarding colors, if you wish to paint your wooden plinth, nothing could be simpler. Classic paint, spray paint, all work perfectly. The use of wood gives a classic aesthetic if the plinth is covered with a patina, but if left natural with a simple clear varnish, it exudes a very modern design.
Custom wooden plinth with curved brass rod: Kichizo Inagaki inspiration with visible wood grain
Wooden plinth with patinated steel base, inspired by Kichizo Inagaki with its angled corners
Same custom plinth, front view.
Our work as plinth makers is often inspired by the work of other artists.
Our workshops also have their specificities.
Some prefer to work with brass, while others specialize in steel and more colossal structures.
Our workshops also have their specificities.
Some prefer to work with brass, while others specialize in steel and more colossal structures.
This diversity allows us to offer you presentation solutions for all your objects, from the smallest to the largest.
Let's make an appointment to consider together a plinth that meets your desires.
Why is the wooden plinth so popular?
Wood holds a special place in the world of plinth making. As a living material, it transcends eras without ever losing its nobility. Its natural warmth, texture, and ability to interact with light make it a privileged ally in revealing the beauty of a work, whether ancient or contemporary. Unlike colder materials like steel or brass, wood brings an organic presence, almost silent, that highlights without dominating.
Its popularity also stems from its infinite variety. Each species has its own personality: the softness of oak, the density of walnut, the sobriety of beech, or the depth of stained wood. This diversity offers the plinth maker a unique field of expression, where the balance between strength and delicacy becomes a language in its own right.Some artisans, like the great masters of plinth making, have managed to make wood much more than a simple support. Their approach, combining rigor and sensitivity, has elevated this material to the rank of an artistic element. Even today, this lineage inspires many workshops, for which the wooden plinth is not just an aesthetic choice, but a way to imbue each plinth with a soul and a discreet presence, in perfect harmony with the work it supports.
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