# Laughing Rocks Hilarious Grinning Stone Sculptures by Hirotoshi Ito By Elsa Blaine | Published 2009-01-25 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laughing-rocks-hilarious-grinning-stone-sculptures-by-hirotoshi-ito References: [coilhouse.net](http://coilhouse.net/2009/01/24/hirotoshi-ito-the-meat-inside-the-stones/) & [jiyuseki](http://www.jiyuseki.com/english/english.html) Rock sculptures by Tokyo’s Hirotoshi Ito are an absolute flight of imagination. The grinning toothsome zippered stones just make me laugh, although in certain circumstances they could perhaps also be seen as a little creepy. Ito has also chiseled out little rock change purses stuffed full of sea shells and coins, as well as [life-like shirts and sweaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illusion-box). He gathers the [stones from a riverbed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pebble-stool) in his neighborhood and maintains the basic shape when carving. As the title of his collection, ‘Pleasures of Paradox’ suggests, Ito softens the cold hardness of the rocks with a touch of warmth and wit. Thanks to [TruShu](http://www.flickr.com/photos/trushu/524504628/) for the group rock shot from Flickr. Ito’s Flickr photostream is [here](http://www.flickr.com/photos/16436140@N02/). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Hilarious Sculptures:** Using humor in art and design can create new ways of engaging audiences - **Unexpected Materials:** Exploring non-traditional materials in art and design can lead to innovative and unique creations - **Found Object Art:** Using found materials to create art is a sustainable and resourceful approach that adds depth to the creative process ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** Artists and galleries can look to incorporate humor and unexpected materials in their works and exhibitions to attract new audiences and create buzz - **Design:** Designers who use humor and unexpected materials in their creations can differentiate themselves in a crowded market and provide unique solutions for clients - **Sustainability:** Incorporating found objects and materials in art and design can promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about reducing waste and repurposing resources ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Monumental Air Installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iwagumi-air-scape.md) - [Plush Sculptural Lounge Sofas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rokko.md) - [Stone Floral Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lithic-bloom.md) - [Climate-Awareness Soft Art Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreamstones.md) - [Hyper-Realistic Flesh Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito.md) - [Community-Centric Sculptural Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-sculptures.md) - [Whimsical Spirit Art Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anima.md) - [Liberated Textural Limestone Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/make-nice.md) - [Mossy Stone-Mirrored Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bravest-studio.md)