Shishi Odoshi

Japanese Scarecrows

Artwork Brief Description

These striking red scarecrows, with abstracted bird-like forms, create a lyrical, almost musical presence in the garden. *Shishi Odoshi*—bamboo water fountains used in Japanese gardens—are also present, producing rhythmic sounds meant to startle animals while fostering tranquility. Together, the sculptures and water elements merge function with aesthetics, reinforcing themes of balance and harmony.

Japanese Scarecrows

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wix:image://v1/d45294_d5da28085758458f80c7f005f8cdcd69~mv2.jpg/14_%CE%B4.Shishi%20Odoshi-%20Spaventapesseri%20Giapponese%20(Japanese%20Scarecrows).jpg#originWidth=1333&originHeight=2000 Shishi Odoshi - Japanese Scarecrows

Shishi Odoshi- Spaventapesseri Giapponese (Japanese Scarecrows)

The scarecrows in the Heller Garden are very elegant in their form. Their red bodies appear like winged cutouts of a butterfly or perhaps paper cutouts of two birds caught in flight. Their abstracted nature gives them a lyrical appearance, and one might argue that they appear to dance like musical notes before our eyes. Upon closer inspection, we find that they are two characters with pursed lips about to kiss one another.

Shishi-odoshi are known in Japanese sculpture as devices used to frighten off animals who pose a threat to crops or agriculture. Traditionally, fountains, clappers, or scarecrows would be used, and in the Heller Garden, we find both a fountain and a pair of scarecrows.

The fountain is made of bamboo, which is typical of the sōzu fountains that are often found in Japanese gardens. The bamboo tube has been cut into sections and pivoted to the balance point. There is a water source above the tube, and as it falls, it causes a trickle of water to filter down, causing the centre of gravity to change as the tube rotates and the water flows out. Not only does this produce a beautiful sound, but it also makes the heavier end of the tube fall back against the rock it was resting upon and make a sharp, smacking sound.

Originally, these fountains were installed for their frightening capacity; however, over time, they have become a key feature in the design of many Japanese gardens. Here in the Heller Garden, the fountain and the scarecrows work together to deter prey from the vegetation and distract our minds from our daily lives.