Description
Globe thistle, also known as Echinops—meaning ‘hedgehog’ in Greek—gets its name from its flowers that resemble blue jewels. Each thorn is actually a small bud that, when opened, transforms into a fluffy flower. Despite its name, it is not a true thistle. The globe thistle features a perfectly spherical inflorescence made up of many thorny flowers, which becomes soft and fluffy as it blooms.
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.
Care Instructions:
– 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: L4 x D4 x H4 cm
naturelover22 –
I bought this Sola Cube for my desk, and it’s a lovely conversation starter. The globe thistle is beautifully preserved, and the acrylic casing feels sturdy. It’s a bit pricey for a small item, but the craftsmanship is impressive. I just wish it were a bit bigger to showcase the details better. Not quite pga tour quality, but definitely unique!