Awaglass Ornament by Terayama Norihiko

Unlike a typical hourglass, this unusual sculpture – which assumes an hourglass form – is filled not with sand but bubbles. The mesmerising bubbles differ in size, rising and falling beneath the surface of the glass at varying speeds, meaning the passing of time is measured differently on each use. The idea behind this bubble clock, designed by Terayama Norihiko, is to enjoy rather than simply measure time. Each sculpture is handmade and specially designed so that the glass doesn’t cloud with use, meaning the indeterminate passing of time can be appreciated again and again.

Fragile

Shikoku

The island of Shikoku is divided into four prefectures. All of these can be visited on the 88-temple Buddhist pilgrimage around the island. The area is also home to Naoshima, a small island in the Inland Sea, known for its many contemporary art installations and museums while the Tokushima Prefecture is famous for its cultivation of Japanese indigo.