Dawn redwood was initially thought to be extinct and only known from fossil records until a living specimen was discovered in China in 1941. In 1939, a fossil resembling an evergreen sequoia was found in Japan and named Metasequoia by its discoverer, Dr. Shigeru Miki. Its existence was later confirmed in China in 1945, leading to its designation as a ‘living fossil.’ Following this discovery, seedlings were brought to Japan, and now Dawn redwoods can be seen throughout the country. When the fruit ripens and turns brown, it opens to release round, winged seeds from within.

Shiro Kuramata once said, “Enchantment should also be considered as function.” 

This reflects humanity’s long fascination with time, stretching back to the discovery of ancient ambers preserving million-year-old life. Our desire to freeze moments in time may stem from a deeper curiosity about our existence or the wish to capture fleeting beauty.

Sola Cubes, crafted by Usage No Nedoko in Kyoto, embody this philosophy. These cubes combine traditional Japanese values of reverence for nature and appreciation of overlooked elements. Encased in hand-polished crystal clear acrylic resin, each cube holds a preserved leaf, seed, or flower, offering a meditative glimpse into nature’s beauty—similar to Kuramata’s “Miss Blanche,” but using real organic materials.

• Acrylic resin may turn yellow over time due to ultraviolet rays so please avoid placing it under direct sunlight.
• Sola cubes are handmade by craftsman one by one. The size, colours and shape of the subject have distinct differences as would with nature.
• Avoid using or placing under high temperatures.

Material(s):

• Acrylic Resin
• Dried Plants

Source:
Kyoto

Dimensions:
W4 x D4 x H4 cm