The Story of Parasols

Mitsutaka Konagi’s Parasols

The Parasol project is bringing back fragile sculpture art to your home safely.

Mitsutaka Konagi is a sculptor born and raised in Japan. His art practice began when he joined the restoration company B&H Art-In-Architecture in 2009. Working with stone for over a decade through projects such as the New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building and St. Patrick's Cathedral, Konagi acquired valuable stone carving knowledge and skill, which he applies to his work today. He also works with clay and wood, but he treasures the original colors and textures of each material. Konagi's sculptural pieces are a meticulous study of form that also draws attention to negative space and shadow. Currently, Konagi works from his studio in Brooklyn.

Check out the process photos of the Parasols;

Parasols are made out of ceramic and they are made and painted by the artist's hand.

Konagi says:

“I was trying to make something that reminds you of the moment of summer beach; exciting, cheerful, peaceful, and also makes you feel nostalgic sometimes.”

Parasols are one-of-a-kind art pieces that might be able to help you remember summer memories and bring joyful art to your home dècor. 

The structure of these memorable pieces have an interesting story,

Konagi says;

“I used to work as a stone carver to restore landmark buildings In NY, such as NYPL, St Patrick cathedral, and Met. Seeing lots of architectural materials and tools at the job sites every day, and those experiences helped me in the structural part of this project.”

Konagi picked up stainless steel rods, nuts, and safety bolt caps and combined them with his ceramic skills to create beautiful and unique Parasols. 

One of the helpful insights about the Parasol project is bringing back fragile sculpture art home safely. 

Konagi says;

“There are a lot of visitors from all over the world to Hawaii, and I care about those people so that they can bring them back home comfortably because you can disassemble them easily without any tools and put them in the box, and assemble them back once you get back home.”

In this way, Konagi helps you to become part of the artistic process by assembling the art by yourself at home.

Konagi hopes to bring your memories of summer with you to the comfort of your home.