EDO BALL — SEASON 5
江戸球
“Edo” (“江戸”), the former name for modern-day Tokyo, and “Ball” (球) are the names I’ve chosen to represent my two passions, basketball and Japanese art. The third season of Edo Ball is a melting pot of culture and people, east and west all wrapped into a series of 10 new artworks. Each artwork in the new season has an expanded story behind it and draws inspiration from Japanese mythology, players’ nicknames and basketball pop culture and lore.
To many the game of basketball is more than just a sport. It’s a movement, a culture and an art form in itself. To me, the richness of the game represents the world and its people perfectly. Players from all backgrounds, social classes and countries come together for the game and put everything aside to share a singular focus, to commune for forty-eight minutes at a time on the court.
TEMPLE OF HOOPS & THE SWAMP RONIN
TEMPLE OF HOOPS (LEFT)
Fans of the game trek 21 stairs to reach the great hanging bell of basketball which overlooks the valley, it’s court, and temple. Players then venture across the mountain top to the court and pay their respects to the greats before them by competing in a game. Only once the score reaches 21 do the winners continue on the passage of time to the Temple of Hoops.
THE SWAMP RONIN (RIGHT)
The Rōnin wandered the swampland waiting to avenge his master's death. The young warrior had learnt everything he knew from his master, his game was polished and refined by hours in the gym.
He couldn’t see his enemy but knew that it was only a matter of time before they crossed paths and revenge would be served.
JOURNEY AT DUSK & THE FLAMED REAPER
JOURNEY AT DUSK (LEFT)
As summer fades players have to venture further to connect with the game of basketball. The hours of sun shorten and only a handful of courts offer light after dusk. Players who are prepared to travel are rewarded with just enough light to run it back and continue the game.
THE FLAMED REAPER (RIGHT)
Hand-forged by countless hours in the gym, the reaper had the unreal ability to get hot quickly in the game of basketball. It only took a bucket or two for a spark to catch fire and eventually grow into an uncontrollable fire which fueled the reaper’s confidence and game.
ETERNAL BLOSSOM & SUPPORT & STABILITY
ETERNAL BLOSSOM (LEFT)
Lovers of the game and each other, they went their separate ways at the end of each summer. After the long winters passed they would wait until the first cherry blossom would bloom, before making their journey to the court where they first met.
As they arrived at the court with the winds of spring the sakura would fall and bring fresh memories of the buckets that fell as companions of the court.
SUPPORT & STABILITY (RIGHT)
The game is constantly growing and offers a place for people and the community to seek support and stability.
Over time the court grows with nature and becomes united to form a beacon for travellers. Leaves come and go with the seasons and players do but the roots are deep and the foundation is always strong.
THE 8TH ALL STAR & THE MASTER GARDENER
THE 8TH ALL STAR (LEFT)
In 1608 on a crisp spring afternoon, the first EB All-Star game was played in Edo, Japan at the Emperors Palace. Warriors traveled from all over the land to the bamboo hardwood of Edo to showcase their craft.
On this particular day, it was a young ashigaru spearman from the southern lands who captured the cheers of the crowd in Edo. Much like the spear he carried in battle, this young warrior was deceptively slim, long and attacked the rim with ease.
THE MASTER GARDENER (RIGHT)
Not long ago she was one of the greatest players of the land. She had retired from the game but found a second love in crafting the finest courts of Edo Ball.
People say her bamboo was superior because she grew it in the basketballs of retired warriors. Players also believe it’s good luck to play on her courts, and that the natural flex and durability of her bamboo will keep a player's body-safe for eternity.
The series of artworks, their stories and jerseys are now available online at:
