Guts Requiem Kai – A Memorial Work Dedicated to Kentarou Miura
NKENSHIN CO., LTD., under its fine arts and craft brand, ART OF WAR, proudly announces that it will release its new sculpture piece, Guts Requiem Kai, on December 3, 2024.
For nearly three decades, ART OF WAR has been at the forefront of three-dimensional art piece creation in Japan, setting itself apart as a unique leader in its field and solidifying its brand identity. By harnessing the power of Japan’s iconic intellectual properties, such as manga, and combining them with its exceptional sculpting expertise, ART OF WAR has redefined the market, transforming statues into coveted collector’s items rather than mere figures.
This piece is inspired by Guts, the iconic protagonist of the globally beloved Japanese dark fantasy manga Berserk, which has sold over fifty million copies worldwide. Created as a tribute to the late Kentarou Miura, the author of Berserk, it honors his enduring legacy and the impact of his work.
Honoring Kentarou Miura’s Legacy: The Memorial Piece and Its Sentiments
■ Why This Piece Was Created
ART OF WAR, having developed a deep connection with the late Kentarou Miura through years of producing Berserk sculptures, was profoundly affected by his unexpected passing. Driven by a desire to honor his legacy and the monumental impact of Berserk, the brand released
Guts Requiem in 2022 as a tribute to Miura. As a brand devoted to three-dimensional art,
ART OF WAR believed that the best way to express its gratitude for the time spent working with Miura and its respect for Berserk was through the medium of sculpture.
Guts Requiem channeled Miura’s essence through Guts, the protagonist, capturing a serene expression that mirrored Miura himself – calm on the surface yet holding an inner, unexpressed passion that embodied his intense spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft.
■ A Two-Part Homage
The new piece, Guts Requiem Kai, completes a two-part series of commemorative sculptures. The first, Guts Requiem, depicted Guts in his human form, symbolizing “stillness.”
In contrast, Guts Requiem Kai portrays Guts in his armor-clad “Berserker” form, representing “movement.” The creation of this sculpture took over a year, building upon its predecessor but incorporating extensive modifications to enhance both detail and power. Every aspect of the sculpture was carefully refined, from the positioning of the wrists and ankles to the overall composition. Special focus was placed on capturing the Berserker armor’s fierce, mechanical essence, conveying a sense of raw power and a near absence of conscious will, setting it apart from Guts Requiem.
■ Realistic Proportions and Detail
In pursuit of enhanced realism, ART OF WAR carefully balanced the sculpture’s proportions. The torso and limbs were designed to fit snugly within the armor, accentuating muscular definition, while the head was slightly enlarged to reflect the natural limits of the skull. This meticulous attention to detail results in a piece that is both strikingly realistic and powerfully dynamic.
■ Dedication to Detail
ART OF WAR’s unwavering commitment to precision in every detail reflects their deep respect for Kentarou Miura and a desire to create a piece that would honor his vision. This dedication underscores the company’s ongoing mission to bring the world of Berserk to life in a way that truly honors its legendary creator.
■ A Final Tribute to Kentarou Miura
Through these two sculptures, representing ‘stillness and movement,’ with Guts embodying Miura himself, ART OF WAR aims to share the world of Berserk and honor Miura’s monumental achievements, both with dedicated fans and those unfamiliar with the series. This marks the final memorial piece dedicated to Kentarou Miura. We once again extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt wishes for the peaceful rest of the late Miura-sensei.
Order Information
1. The following works will be available in limited quantities:
Limited Edition 1: Guts Requiem Kai with the Senma Soldier– JP¥280,000 (production limited to 77 pieces)
Limited Edition 2: Guts Requiem Kai only – JP¥250,000 (production limited to 30 pieces)
2. Sculpture Specifications:
Material: Polystone
Dimensions:
•Berserker (main body) base diameter: 32 cm
•Berserker including cape: height: 27 cm; depth: 36 cm
•Berserker including sword: width: 48 cm
•Sword: width: 35 cm (from handle)
3. Both versions will be available for a limited time and in a limited quantity of pre-orders. Detailed information will be provided on the official website (https://www.art-of-war.jp/) once sales begin.
4. Orders will begin on December 3, 2024, at 12:00 PM JST.
5. Sales for these works will be available exclusively on ART OF WAR’s official website.
Important Information
- Each piece is handcrafted by artisans, so there may be variations in color and texture compared to the images.
- The images provided are for reference only.
- Actual colors may differ depending on the display device.
- The appearance of color may vary due to photography or exhibition conditions.
- The images shown are of prototypes and may undergo slight changes during production.
