Dorodango (Japanese: “mud dumpling”)
Hikaru Dorodango are shiny balls of mud, molded by hand, dried, and polished into artifacts of utter simplicity and perfection. The art form originated in ancient Japan, where making Dorodango was considered a traditional form of play for children. Dorodango was nearly forgotten until Japanese psychology professor Fumio Kayo reintroduced it to schools and kindergartens a few years ago, not only making it popular again throughout Japan but also sparking international interest.
American artist Bruce Gardner began experimenting with Dorodango after reading an essay in Tate Magazine titled “Shiny Balls of Mud: William Gibson Looks at the Japanese Pursuit of Perfection.” Gibson described a Dorodango as “an artifact of such utter simplicity and perfection that it seems it must be either the first object or the last.” Inspired by these words, Gardner felt compelled to make Dorodango himself. Over the years, he experimented with different soils and refined his technique. Today, he is a true master of this mindful craft, yet he remains fascinated by the wondrous process of transforming simple earth into objects of extraordinary beauty.
Watch Bruce Gardner in the video below and get inspired to try Dorodango for yourself—a beautiful art form to connect with nature.
I would also like to recommend Gardner’s book which provides detailed information about his making process.
