Mick Itaya's Ring - Things and Ruki #42

Once, at a European goods shop, I spotted a one-of-a-kind,
vintage silver ascot tie ring.
It had a design like interlocking bird feathers, and it was breathtakingly beautiful.
But I don't usually wear ascot ties.
It was also expensive, so I quietly put it back on the shelf.

Some time after that,
my eyes caught a photo in a fashion magazine I happened to be looking at.
It was an outfit with a scarf wrapped around the neck and fastened with a ring.
I assumed it was the stylist's or model's personal item,
as nothing was noted in the product description.
I observed it closely and finally realized.
It wasn't an ascot tie ring, but a lovely finger ring.
That casual touch, breaking up the formality just a little, was cool.

Mick Itaya, whom I meet occasionally, always has a stylish neckline too.
Every time I meet him at an event, I am overwhelmed by his work.
Gontiti's in-store live performance and mural,
Hajime Mizoguchi's live cello performance and live painting,
having him draw illustrations while chatting at a cafe,
and believe it or not, I've even had him draw my portrait.
I was happy to feel like I could step into the Greek-like world
that Mick draws.

When I found a ring designed by Mick, I bought it immediately.
A white dove motif. A texture reminiscent of a seashell.
The bird I saw back then had come back to me in this form.
On days when the wind blows a little, I wrap a stole around me, and this ring comes in handy.